Si tu sors de la forêt en même temps que le buffle, sache monter à l'arbre.
“If you leave the forest at the same time as the buffalo, know how to climb a tree.”
Wisdom is not always confronting danger head-on; sometimes it means knowing a safe way to protect yourself before you ever need it.
— Traditional Central African Republic Wisdom, Central African Republic
Source: Traditional Central African Republic proverb, public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from Central African Republic
The river does not fear the forest it flows through.
A person who knows their own strength and purpose stays confident even in unfamiliar or imposing surroundings.
One finger alone cannot lift a stone.
Difficult tasks require cooperation; no one accomplishes great things entirely alone.
The elephant never forgets the path to the water.
Experience and memory guide a wise person back to what truly sustains them.
A drum beaten with care is heard far beyond the village.
Work done with real effort and skill earns recognition well beyond where it was made.
Cassava planted out of season feeds no one.
Actions taken at the wrong time bring no benefit, no matter how good the intention.
An old tree stands because its roots go deep.
Age and endurance come from a strong foundation; respect the elders who built it.