Libisma e meki en boto, ma Gado e bow en sipi.
“Man builds his own boat, but God builds the ship.”
People make their own plans, but the final outcome rests beyond their control.
— Traditional Suriname Wisdom, Suriname
Source: Traditional Suriname proverb, public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from Suriname
You have two ears, yet you never want to hear the same word twice.
Listen carefully the first time; do not make others repeat good advice.
Traditional Suriname Wisdom
Read more →
Humility is the clothing that best suits your body.
Modesty adorns a person more than any fine garment ever could.
Traditional Suriname Wisdom
Read more →
Every man kisses his wife in his own way.
Everyone manages their own affairs in their own manner; there is no single right way.
Traditional Suriname Wisdom
Read more →
Love's path is never too far.
Love knows no distance or boundary; it will always find its way.
Traditional Suriname Wisdom
Read more →
A clever man should never think that God only put mud in a fool's head.
Never underestimate someone who seems less clever than you; everyone has hidden depth.
Traditional Suriname Wisdom
Read more →
I am a black doll — I roll through every shop, but my beauty is never lost.
A person's true worth is not diminished by hardship or by being passed around.
Traditional Suriname Wisdom
Read more →