“A wise enemy is better than a foolish friend.”
A clever rival can be more useful, and less harmful, than a well-meaning but careless companion.
— Traditional Ethiopia Wisdom, Ethiopia
Source: Traditional Ethiopian proverb, public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from Ethiopia
When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.
Individually weak people or efforts become powerful when they join together in unity.
Traditional Ethiopia Wisdom
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Little by little, an egg will walk on its legs.
With patience and gradual, steady effort even seemingly impossible things are accomplished.
Traditional Ethiopia Wisdom
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Stretch your legs according to the length of your blanket.
Live within your means and act according to your resources and circumstances.
Traditional Ethiopia Wisdom
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When the hyena has already left, the dog starts barking.
Taking action or raising an alarm after the danger has passed is useless.
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The river carries you away while it is laughing (looking gentle).
Danger and ruin often arrive disguised in a pleasant, harmless-looking form.
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What is tied while running comes loose while running.
Things done hastily and carelessly fall apart just as quickly.
Traditional Ethiopia Wisdom
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