Wata-said ston no fred ren.

“A stone by the waterside is not afraid of the rain.”

A person already toughened by hardship is no longer troubled by more of the same.

We lɛpɛt tit go hat am, na-in gɔt kin go kɔldɛt.

“When the leopard has a toothache, that is when the goat can go collect its debt.”

Take the chance to act when someone who usually threatens you is weakened.

Ɔkpɔlɔ no gɛt tit, bɔt if yu put yu han insai in mɔt, i go sɛt am.

“The frog has no teeth, but if you put your hand in its mouth, it will still bite you.”

Even those who appear powerless can defend themselves if provoked.

Taya noto lɛs.

“Being tired is not the same as being lazy.”

Do not confuse the exhaustion of hard work with unwillingness to work.

Gladi mɔt nɛba blo faya.

“A laughing mouth never fans the fire.”

Idle talk and laughter do not get the real work done.

Prɔmis na dɛt.

“A promise is a debt.”

A promise made must be honored just as surely as money that is owed.