In za ka gina ramin mugunta, gina shi gajere.
“If you must dig a pit of wickedness, dig it shallow.”
Whoever schemes against others should expect it to return to them quickly, so it is best not to dig deep.
— Traditional Hausa Wisdom of Niger, Niger
Source: Traditional Hausa proverb (karin magana), public-domain oral tradition — Hausa is a principal language of southern Niger
More Proverbs from Niger
A sibling is half of one's own body.
Blood is thicker than water; family bonds run deeper than any other tie.
Traditional Hausa Wisdom of Niger
Read more →
Set a thief to catch a thief.
Someone familiar with wrongdoing is best placed to catch another wrongdoer.
Traditional Hausa Wisdom of Niger
Read more →
One cannot run faster than one's own strength allows.
Do not attempt tasks beyond your true capacity.
Traditional Hausa Wisdom of Niger
Read more →
However far a thing is thrown, it will fall back to earth.
Every action eventually returns to its source; consequences are inevitable.
Traditional Hausa Wisdom of Niger
Read more →
Restraint is often the wisest reply to foolishness.
Holding back your reaction is often the wisest response to a fool's provocation.
Traditional Hausa Wisdom of Niger
Read more →
The soul, kin to the kola nut, longs for rest.
Even hard workers need proper rest; overwork dulls the mind and spirit.
Traditional Hausa Wisdom of Niger
Read more →