Omoluabi Podcast

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 5 Episode 5 PROVERB CONSIDERED: "Ìwà lẹwà" (Translation: "Character is beauty.") MEANING & ETYMOLOGY n this enlightening episode, we explore the profound Yorùbá proverb above, which emphasises the deep connection between a person's inner qualities and their external beauty. At the core of being an "Omoluabi" (which breaks down into "Ọmọ tí Olú ìwà bí" -- a child born by the lord of character, i.e., a child of supreme character qualities and virtues) is the understanding that good character is the foundation of true beauty. Character is not merely a facade but a reflection of one's true essence. CONNECTING PROVERB: We draw a connection to another Yorùbá proverb, "Èéfín nìwà" (Character is like smoke; it is difficult to hide), highlighting that character inevitably shines through and cannot be concealed. Both proverbs emphasise the importance of cultivating and nurturing one's character. BIBLICAL APPLICATION: ✥ We discussed the need to prioritise cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, over being solely focused on manifesting the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). True beauty is found in the character that reflects the nature of Christ. ✥ We reference 1 Peter 3:1-3, which implies that the character of a believing wife can have a transformative impact on her unbelieving husband. This underscores the power of character to influence and inspire positive change in others. KEY TAKEAWAYS: ✥ Character is at the heart of true beauty. ✥ The term "Omoluabi" encapsulates the importance of character. ✥ Character cannot be hidden; it shines through like smoke. ✥ Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit is paramount in our spiritual journey. ✥ Character can have a profound influence on relationships. LISTEN TO THE EPISODE: Join us as we unpack the wisdom contained in this week's proverb and delve into the moral and spiritual applications it holds. ✥ Our Website — ⁠https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/⁠ ✥ Other Platforms — ⁠https://pod.link/1550735589⁠ FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA: Explore additional resources and content from Joseph and Anu Ola on various platforms. ✥ Linktree — ⁠https://linktr.ee/josephola⁠ ✥ Disha Page — ⁠https://josephola.disha.page/⁠ JOIN THE OMOLUABI COMMUNITY: Stay connected with us as we journey together towards becoming true Omoluabis — people of character and wisdom. You can like our Facebook page at ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/omoluabipodcast/⁠⁠ Picture Credit: Oye Diran

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 5 Episode 4 PROVERB CONSIDERED: "Èké mọ ilé-e rẹ̀ ó wó; Ọ̀dàlẹ̀ mọ tirẹ̀ ó bì dànù" (Translation: "The devious person builds a house, and it collapses; the treacherous person builds one, and it tumbles in ruins.") In this captivating episode, we delve into the profound Yorùbá proverb that carries a powerful message about the consequences of deceit and treachery. The proverb paints a vivid picture of the fate that awaits those who engage in underhanded actions, highlighting that their efforts will ultimately lead to ruin. MEANING & BIBLICAL CONNECTION: We explore the depths of this proverb's meaning, drawing parallels to the story of Job and the wisdom found in Job 5:3ff. Particularly, we anchor our discussion on Job 5:12-13 (AMPC) which reads, "He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. He catches the [so-called] wise in their own trickiness, and the counsel of the schemers is brought to a quick end." MORAL & SPIRITUAL APPLICATION: On a moral level, we reflect on the importance of choosing a path of righteousness and integrity over deceit and treachery. The proverb serves as a reminder that dishonesty ultimately leads to downfall. On a spiritual level, we find solace in the assurance that no evil can overcome the believer. This aligns with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:43-48 (NLT), urging us to love our enemies and live in a manner that reflects the character of God. KEY TAKEAWAYS: The consequences of dishonesty and treachery are depicted vividly in the proverb. God frustrates the plans of the crafty and catches them in their own schemes. As Christians, we are called to live righteously and extend love even to our enemies. Trust in God's protection and be guided by the principles of integrity. LISTEN TO THE EPISODE: Join us as we unpack the wisdom contained in this Yorùbá proverb and delve into the moral and spiritual applications it holds. ✥ Our Website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/ ✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589 FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA: Explore additional resources and content from Joseph and Anu Ola on various platforms. ✥ Linktree — https://linktr.ee/josephola ✥ Disha Page — https://josephola.disha.page/ JOIN THE OMOLUABI COMMUNITY: Stay connected with us as we journey together towards becoming true Omoluabis — people of character and wisdom. You can like our Facebook page at ⁠https://www.facebook.com/omoluabipodcast/⁠

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 5 Episode 3 PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ilé ahun ò gba ahun; ọ̀dẹ̀dẹ̀ ahun ò gbàlejò; ahún kọ́lé ẹ̀ tán ó yọ ọ̀dẹ̀dẹ̀ níbàdí” (Translation: "The tortoise's house is not large enough for it; the tortoise's porch is not large enough to receive visitors; the tortoise built its house and adds a porch at the rear.") MEANING: In this episode, through the above Yorùbá proverb, we highlight the issue of stinginess and its consequences. The proverb cleverly plays on the word, "ahun" which could either mean "stingy" or (as a contracted form of "alábahun", means) "tortoise." Of course, the tortoise is often depicted as both a stingy and cautious creature in many Yorùbá folk tales. The proverb is using the morphology of the tortoise as an object lesson. If the tortoise's shell is its house, it would seem that the tortoise but itself a house that is hardly spacious enough to contain himself alone let alone have some spare room (not even a well sized porch) to entertain visitors in. BIBLICAL APPLICATION: In a world often driven by self-preservation and scarcity mentality, the call to generosity can be challenging. However, the wisdom of both Yoruba culture and the Bible reminds us that true fulfilment lies in giving to others selflessly. When we open our hearts to generosity, we participate in a beautiful cycle of blessings. Just as the tortoise's limited space denies it the joy of hosting guests, stinginess restricts us from experiencing the joy of enriching others' lives. God designed us to be conduits of His love, and when we share what we have with others, we sow seeds of hope, love, and transformation. In contrast to the tortoise's morphology, the example of a kangaroo comes to mind. Think of the kangaroo's pouch, with enough room to embrace multiple young ones. When we give without reservation, we create space in our hearts to nurture and support others. Our acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on those around us. We draw parallels from biblical teachings, such as Proverbs 11:24-25 and Proverbs 28:25, that emphasize the principle of scattering and increasing wealth through generosity. BIBLICAL REFERENCES: ✥ Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV) - "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." ✥ Proverbs 28:25 (NIV) - "The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper." KEY TAKEAWAYS: Generosity leads to abundance. Hoarding and excessive caution can lead to impoverishment. Be led by God in giving and trust Him to prosper you. Embrace a saving culture but avoid making savings an idol. ACTION STEPS: This week, let us strive to be more generous and open-hearted. Reach out to someone in need, give even when it pinches, and trust that God will bless your acts of kindness. Remember, true generosity leads to an enriched life. LISTEN TO THE EPISODE: Listen to the thought-provoking discussion on stinginess and generosity on our website or other podcast platforms. ✥ Our Website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/ ✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589 FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA: Follow us on social media and explore more insightful content and resources. ✥ Linktree — https://linktr.ee/josephola ✥ Disha Page — https://josephola.disha.page/ JOIN THE OMOLUABI COMMUNITY: Stay connected with us as we journey together towards becoming true Omoluabis — people of character and wisdom. You can like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/omoluabipodcast/

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 5 Episode 2 PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ajé ní ḿba ojú ọ̀rẹ́ jẹ́.” ENGLISH TRANSLATION: "It is money that brings a frown to the brow of friendship." MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: The point of this proverb, to put it simply, is that nothing ruins a friendship more surely than the intrusion of money. In other words, money is very sensitive and requires wisdom to manage it properly. It is often said that the top 3 things that destroy marriages are communication problems, sex-related problems, and money-related problems. We agree. So what attitudes towards money management tend to ruin friendships, partnerships, marriages, and other relationships? We highlighted a few of them in this episode, including: Laziness. Wrong attitude towards Savings and Investment Greed Debts (borrowing and not repaying) We concluded by recommending a sound stewardship mindset towards managing money. Scriptures Cited include: ✥ “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Proverbs 10:4 (NIV) ✥ “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 13:11 (NIV) ✥ “Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.” Proverbs 1:19 (NIV) ✥ “The rich rule over the poor, And the borrower is slave to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7 (NIV) LINKS TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE ✥ Our Website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/ ✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589 FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA https://linktr.ee/josephola https://josephola.disha.page/

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ọmọ tí àgbẹ̀-ẹ́bí, oko ni yó ro; ọmọ tí Gàm̀bàrí bí, okùn ni yó ran.” ENGLISH TRANSLATION: "The child born by a farmer will engage in farming; the child born by a Hausa man will engage in rope weaving."  MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: This is one of those proverbs that sound like a hasty (or even myopic) generalisation. Factually, not every farmer's child goes on to become a farmer and not every Hausa man's child will weave ropes. However, to treat the proverb like that is to miss the point. The point of the proverbs is rather clear: There is such a thing as "family likeness." A goat will sire a goat in the same way a lion will sire a lion. We will take after our parents (or foster parent, or guardian, or pastor, or mentor . . . etc), at least in certain respect and to some certain degree. As Barry Hallen noted, "Proverbs do not introduce themselves to us as universal truths, as generalizations that always apply. Their pith, their point, their punch is situational or context-dependent to an essential degree." If we think of this proverb biblically, therefore, an essential scriptural truth comes alive: We are supposed to take after our Heavenly Father! In fact, this is the reality unto which every child of God is predestined!  “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Romans 8:29 ESV). “God, in his foreknowledge, chose [us] to bear the family likeness of his Son, that he might be the eldest of a family of many brothers” (Romans 8:29 PHILLIPS). “God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him” (Romans 8:29 MSG). “. . . And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him” (2 Corinthians 3:18 MSG). “. . . as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him” (2 Corinthians 3:18 TLB). In a nutshell, “all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 AMPC) This leaves each of us with a rather personal question: “How is your transformation and transfiguration going?” Each of us will have to take responsibility for our part in this process. As the AMPC hinted in 2 Corinthians 3:18, the tool by which this transformation happens is the Word of God. What’s your relationship with the Word of God like as you dig into 2023 in full? May we be faithful to our individual sanctification process as God supplies the grace, in Jesus’ name. Amen. Scriptures Cited include: ✥ Romans 8:29 ✥ Romans 8:6 ✥ 2 Corinthians 3:18 LINKS TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE ✥ Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/episode/0HD9R5fI1BOcyGHDFzGgUO ✥ Our Website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/ ✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589 FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA https://linktr.ee/josephola https://josephola.disha.page/

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ohun tí a rí la fi ḿbọ párá ẹni; Bí igi tíná ḿbẹ lẹ́nu ẹ̀ kọ́.” ENGLISH TRANSLATION: "One uses whatever one can find to fill gaps in one’s roof; That does not apply to a still-burning stick." MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: The imagery that birthed this proverb is that of a mud hut with a thatched roof in a typical African village. While such a roof may occasionally have leakages, such gaps or leakages could be blocked by virtually anything—anything apart from a stick still spewing flames! The reason is obvious; rather than block a leakage or close a gap in the roof, such a burning stick will end up burning down the entire building! The implication of the proverb is therefore quite obvious, viz: every seemingly sensible generalization has exceptions. To state it biblically, the fact that something is generally good does not mean it is good for you.  In the same vein, proverbs, as wise as they may be, are often based on generalisations which will need to be applied contextually, making the  exemptions when necessary lest what was supposed to be wisdom becomes foolishness. Scriptures Cited include: ✥ 1 Corinthians 6:12 MSG - "Just because something is technically legal doesn’t mean that it’s spiritually appropriate." ✥ 1 Corinthians 10:23 NKJV - "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify." LINKS TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE ✥ My Website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/ ✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589 FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA https://linktr.ee/josephola https://josephola.disha.page/

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Àṣá ò gbádìẹ níkọ̀kọ̀; gba-n-gba làṣá ńgbádìẹ” INTERPRETATION: "What one dare do, one does openly" MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: The imagery that birthed this proverb is hunting; the kite (predator) hunts the chick (prey) in broad day light, says the proverb. In that sense, we can easily see the biblical imagery of the devil going about like a roaring lion seeking whom to devour from the proverb (1 Peter 5:8). The point here is to be watchful; to spot the signs of the devil's tactics and nip them in the bud. This will come by maintaining a vibrant personal relationship with God as well as a flourishing communal fellowship experience. Isolated Christians are easy preys! The other side to this proverb is the direct point of louding what we are doing, especially when we are persuaded that they are good deeds. In doing this, however, we must be careful to ensure that we are not making this publicity about us but about the God that is at work in and through us. Scriptures Cited include: ✥ 1 Peter 5:8 CSB - "Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour." ✥ John 7:4 CEV - "No one does anything in secret, if they want others to know about them. So let the world know what you are doing!" ✥ Matthew 5:16 NKJV - "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." ✥ Matthew 6:3-4 NKJV - "But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." LINKS TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE ✥ My Website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/ ✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589 FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA https://linktr.ee/josephola https://josephola.disha.page/

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “À-fi-ọ̀rọ̀-wé-ọ̀rọ̀ ò jẹ́ kí ọ̀rọ̀ tán bọ̀rọ̀.” INTERPRETATION: "Allowing-a-current-matter-to-remind-one-of-similar-matters-in-the-past prevents a quarrel from ending easily." MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: Have you ever met someone who ALWAYS recalls your past mistakes in light of your present ones? How does that make you feel? That's exactly what this proverb is asking us to guard against. Let's be like our heavenly father who takes away our sins as far as the east is from the west, in spite of His ultimate knowledge of how many more times we will repeat the same mistakes. That's how the psalmist imagined the Fatherhood of God in Psalm 103. Read verses 12 to 14 for yourself below. Scriptures Cited include: ✥ Psalm 103:12-14 VOICE 12 You see, God takes all our crimes—our seemingly inexhaustible sins—and removes them. As far as east is from the west, He removes them from us. 13 An earthly father expresses love for his children; it is no different with our heavenly Father; The Eternal shows His love for those who revere Him. 14 For He knows what we are made of; He knows our frame is frail, and He remembers we came from dust. LINKS TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE ✥ My Website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/ ✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589 FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA https://linktr.ee/josephola https://josephola.disha.page/

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Omi ló dànù, agbè ò fọ́” INTERPRETATION: "It is the water that is spilled; the water container is not broken." MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: This proverb is usually used in consoling someone who has experienced a loss. It's a way of shifting their perspective from the loss in itself to the fact that there is still 'something left' -- something capable of giving rise to many more of what was lost. For the Christian, that 'something' is, above all else, Christ in us! Hence Paul writes to the Colossians, "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27b) We reflected on the Proverb in a couple of dimensions. 1. WHEN HOPE IS DEFERRED. Solomon said, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but when dreams come true at last, there is life and joy." (Proverbs 13:12 TLB). We considered the possibility that God may actually use a cycle of seeming disappointments to lead us into exploring other alternatives of what we've always wanted, only to discover all along that sometimes, our 'Plan B' has been God's 'Plan A' all along! 2. HOPING AGAINST HOPE. We highlighted the case studies of Joseph and Sarah, both of who hoped in difficult circumstances (and Abraham, of course). In the case of Abraham and Sarah, we were told that they hoped against hope in the sense that inspite of Abraham's dead body and Sarah's dead womb, they judged God faithful and He came through for them. We therefore wrapped up the episode with the hope-inspiring scripture in Job 14:7-9 NKJV -- “For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, And that its tender shoots will not cease. Though its root may grow old in the earth, And its stump may die in the ground, Yet at the scent of water it will bud And bring forth branches like a plant." Scriptures Cited include: ✥ Job 14:7-9 NKJV which says "For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, And that its tender shoots will not cease. Though its root may grow old in the earth, And its stump may die in the ground, Yet at the scent of water it will bud And bring forth branches like a plant." ✥ Acts 16:6-10 TLB which says "Next they traveled through Phrygia and Galatia because the Holy Spirit had told them not to go into the Turkish province of Asia Minor at that time. Then going along the borders of Mysia they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus said no. So instead they went on through Mysia province to the city of Troas. That night Paul had a vision. In his dream he saw a man over in Macedonia, Greece, pleading with him, “Come over here and help us.” Well, that settled it..." LINKS TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE ✥ My Website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/ ✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589 FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA https://linktr.ee/josephola https://josephola.disha.page/

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Erín ńtú eruku; ẹfọ̀n ńtú eruku; títú eruku àjànàkú bo tẹfọ̀n mọ́lẹ̀.” INTERPRETATION: "The elephant raises a cloud of dust; the buffalo raises a cloud of dust; the elephant’s ability to raise dust far surpasses the buffalo’s." MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: This proverb speaks of the fact that some things (or people) are simply incomparable, no matter the similarities they share with others. They are simply beyond all competition! This is the context in which this proverb will be normally used. As we reflected on the proverb from a biblical point of view, a few thoughts emerged: 1. UNIQUENESS. The fact is that a buffalo will always be a buffalo and an elephant will always be an elephant. By virtue of their differing sizes, they can not raise dust to the same extent. There is no point in comparing their dust-raising capabilities. Likewise, as Apostle Paul admonishes (and as we have repeatedly shared on this podcast), "they that compare themselves with themselves are not wise." For those who follow this podcast regularly, you may notice that the subject of COMPARISON has been recurrent (especially in Season 3). This wasn't planned; it just happened! (Perhaps, God wants to keep saying the same message to us until we get it.) 2. INCOMPARABILITY. In other words, the fact that the buffalo can (seemingly) do the same thing an elephant can do (i.e. raise dust) doesn't mean that they are mates. In like manner, the fact that the devil can sometimes do certain things that are (seemingly) powerful does not mean it can be compared to God ALMIGHTY. We know that whatever powers the devil may or may not have are still within the control of the ALMIGHTY, ALL-POWERFUL God! And in human-to-human relationships, to give a biblical example, the fact that some self-acclaimed "super-Apostles" in Corinth can show certificates validating their 'apostolic authority' (in a manner of speaking) while Apostle Paul had no such certificates or 'letters of recommendations' does not mean that their ministerial worth can be compared to Apostle Paul's! (And Paul showed them their level in Chapters 10-13 of 2 Corinthians. Scripture Cited include: ✥ 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV says "and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." ✥ Matthew 28:18 KJV says "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" ✥ 2 Corinthians 10:12 ERV says "We don’t dare put ourselves in the same class with those who think they are so important. We don’t compare ourselves to them. They use themselves to measure themselves, and they judge themselves by what they themselves are. This shows that they know nothing." LINKS TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE ✥ My Website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/ ✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589 FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA https://linktr.ee/josephola https://josephola.disha.page/

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Àtètèdáyé ò kan tọrọ̀; Ọlọ́run ní ńṣe orí owó.” INTERPRETATION: "Primogeniture (the state of being the firstborn child) has nothing to do with wealth; it is God Who assigns wealth to (people's) destinies." MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: The proverb counsels against seeking riches by all means rather than fundamentally acknowledging the sovereignty of God in the determination of who gets 'wealthy' in life. This was discussed vis-a-vis our roles as God's children in wealth creation.  Scripture Cited include: ✥ 2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV says "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." ✥ Matthew 26:11 NIV says "The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me." ✥ Philemon 1:6 AMP says "I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective and powerful because of your accurate knowledge of every good thing which is ours in Christ." ✥ Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV says "And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day." LINKS TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE ✥ My Website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/ ✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589 FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA https://linktr.ee/josephola https://josephola.disha.page/

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ohun tó ṣe àgùntàn tó fi kó òtútù; bó ṣe ewúrẹ́, á ṣe aláìsí.” INTERPRETATION: "The condition that gave a sheep a cold, if it befell a goat, would result in its death." MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: The proverb warns us against being so foolhardy that we dare what others do without having what others have. It reinforces the message of avoiding to compare ourselves with others which, according to Apostle Paul, is an unwise thing to do (2 Corinthians 10:12). From the perspective of the biblical categories of 'sheep' and 'goat', we are reminded that sheep have something most goats don't have: A SHEPHERD. We must endeavour to do life under God's shepherdhood in order to reduce our likelihood of being susceptible to harm. Scripture Cited include: ✥ 2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV says "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." ✥ Psalm 23:1-6 NKJV says "1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever." LINKS TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE ✥ My Website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/ ✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589 FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA https://linktr.ee/josephola https://josephola.disha.page/

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Bí a bá fi inú wénú, iwọ là ńjẹ.” INTERPRETATION: "If we compare notes with others, we wind up eating bile." MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: If you've ever had to kill a chicken before, you will probably be familiar with the fact that you have to carefully remove the gall bladder and dispose of it. Why? The liquid inside that green sack is extremely bitter! So this proverb is a warning that when we compare our fortunes with others', we are literally inviting bitterness into our lives.  Apostle Paul alludes to this principle in one of his letters to the Corinthians, viz: "When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." Scripture Cited include: ✥ 2 Corinthians 10:12 TPT says "Of course, we wouldn’t dare to put ourselves in the same class or compare ourselves with those who rate themselves so highly. They compare themselves to one another and make up their own standards to measure themselves by, and then they judge themselves by their own standards. What self-delusion!" ✥ Proverbs 26:4-5 KJV says "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit." ✥ Proverbs 11:14 NKJV says "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety." LINKS TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE ✥ My Website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/ ✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589 FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA https://linktr.ee/josephola https://josephola.disha.page/

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ọtí gbélé ahun ó kan.” INTERPRETATION: "Wine stays in the home of the miser until it goes sour." MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: The proverb admonishes us to share rather than hoard. To hoard is to deny oneself of the superlative indescribable joy of being the reason behind someone else's happiness. Jesus modelled this kind of generosity and we are supposed to pay it forward! Scriptures Cited include: Proverbs 11:24-25 TLB says "It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself." Philippians 2:5-8 TPT says "And consider the example that Jesus, the Anointed One, has set before us. Let his mindset become your motivation. He existed in the form of God, yet he gave no thought to seizing equality with God as his supreme prize. Instead, he emptied himself of his outward glory by reducing himself to the form of a lowly servant. He became human! He humbled himself and became vulnerable, choosing to be revealed as a man and was obedient. He was a perfect example, even in his death—a criminal’s death by crucifixion!" Hebrews 2:10b TPT says "...this is how he brings many sons and daughters to share in his glory." LINKS TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE ✥ My Website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/ ✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589 FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA https://linktr.ee/josephola https://josephola.disha.page/

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ọdọọdún nìrèké ńso.” INTERPRETATION: "The sugarcane flourishes annually." MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: The proverb is typically used as a new year prayer for a perennial good fortune. The idea is that as surely as the sugarcane will yet again flourish in the new year, we can expect good fortune yet again! The truth is that God, in His Providence, delightfully and continuously offers us multiple opportunities to start again, dream again and hope again. Every new day, new week, new month and new year offers us this opportunity, and so thus 2022. Will you embrace the limitless opportunities this year has to offer by embracing the wisdom of this proverb? Another tangent we considered the proverb from is based on the fact that sugarcane actually takes many months to grow and a full year to mature. In other words, the sugarcanes that cannot but flourish annually didn't sprout overnight. It takes time. This should remind us that there is a divine-timing factor that we must bear in mind for both our disappointments from the previous year and our hopes and dreams for the new year. But with God being for us, we can be assured that He is always in the business of doing new things in 'now moments,' and so we can hope for the best in the new year! Scriptures Cited include: Lamentations 3:22-23 NRSV says "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Isaiah 43:18-19 TPT says "Stop dwelling on the past. Don’t even remember these former things. I am doing something brand new, something unheard of. Even now it sprouts and grows and matures. Don’t you perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and open up flowing streams in the desert." LINKS TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE ✥ My Website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/ ✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589 FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA https://linktr.ee/josephola https://josephola.disha.page/