“Water and milk do not mix.”

Some people or things are fundamentally incompatible and cannot be forced together.

“If people come together, they can even mend a crack in the sky.”

United effort can overcome even the most impossible-seeming challenges.

“A camel can tolerate a heavy load, but not a crooked rope.”

Even the strongest can endure great hardship, but injustice or unfair treatment breaks them.

Soomaalidu been weey sheegta laakin been maku maah maahdo.

“Somalis may tell a lie, but they never tell a false proverb.”

Everyday speech may bend the truth, but the inherited wisdom of proverbs is treated as sacred and reliable.

Aadane gef lagama waayo.

“A human being is never without fault.”

Making mistakes is part of being human; no one is perfect.

Af daboolan waa dahab.

“A closed mouth is gold.”

Restraint in speech and knowing when to stay silent is a valuable form of wisdom.