Proverbial Tree: African Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

By Jack L. Bynum

“I acknowledge the pain, suffering, trials, tribulations, and all that our ancestors endured for the family. It is my prayer that readers find enlightenment in these pages and attain greater pride in family, community, culture, and heritage. Also, I hope they will celebrate the rich contributions of our ancestors to the world. Each time they reflect on these proverbs, I pray they will garner courage and strength to overcome the difficulties of the past, present, and future. Finally, I trust the wisdom and knowledge passed down from our ancestors will be shared with our descendants for ages to come.”
(Jack L. Bynum)

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Nov 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781663230102

Jack L. Bynum

Jack L. Bynum is a graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan College. He holds BA degrees in Business Administration and Religion. Jack also holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University. He is the founder of Gospel of Love P.P.B. Church, Inc. and Gospel of Love Ministries. His work experiences include pastor, educator, business owner, qualified mental health professional, and other occupations.

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Copyright © 2021 Jack L. Bynum.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by

any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system

without the written permission of the author except in the case of

brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible,

King James Version (Public Domain).

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ISBN: 978-1-6632-3009-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-3010-2 (e)

iUniverse rev. date:  10/07/2021

Contents

Dedication

Introduction

Acholi Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

African Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Akamba Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Akan Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Ashanti Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Baluba Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Bateke Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Botswana Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Burundian Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Cameroon Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Congolese Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Egyptian Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Ethiopian Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Gabon Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Ganda Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Ghanaian Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Guinean Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Kenyan Proverbs Biblical Scriptures

Malagasy Proverbs Biblical Scriptures

Moroccan Proverbs Biblical Scriptures

Nigerian Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Senegalese Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Somalian Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Sudanese Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Swahili Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Tanzanian Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Ute Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Yoruba Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Zambian Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Zulu Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures

Exponential Growth: The Doubling Effect

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all of my ancestors and family in Africa, America, the diaspora, and especially to my children, LaWanda, Christina (deceased), Yolanda, Cheryl, LaDetra, and Diamond.

Introduction

As a young child, I was always fascinated by stories about Africa. For as long as I can remember, Africa was called the motherland. Also, my first recollection of the study of world history and science was the statement that man first originated in Africa.

I cannot recall a time when most individuals in my circle were saying things that would cause me to question the existence of God. However, in the fourth grade, I seriously examined and began asking lots of questions about things I did not understand. That was around the time a classmate decided it was time for me to know more about Santa Claus. Wow! Santa had so many attributes and qualities that were similar to those referencing God. What was I to believe? Well, even at that early age, I had dreams that convinced me that God indeed exists.

In the tenth grade, I remember getting my only C for a grading period. In history I responded to a question about creation and evolution. I do not remember the exact question, but I know the textbook answer was evolution. I gave the correct answer and added to it according to the textbook. Then I proceeded to give the Bible account of creation, and I made it known that was what I believed. I was penalized! I still believe in creation, but I can understand the position of evolutionists. It would be great if they could understand the phrase in the eyes of God, a day is as a thousand years. If so, I think they would find it easier to relate to my position.

Since history and the Bible intersect and confirm each other in so many ways, I appreciate comparisons of information from both sources. Further, it is interesting, at the least, that in many cases there is evidence that history and the Bible draw from the same source documents. Therefore, as I learned African proverbs, I realized some of them were similar to Bible statements. I began writing and doing oral presentations on African Proverbs and Biblical Scriptures. Then I decided to put some of my presentations and writings together in the form of a book.

The book was not created to do a historical or critical analysis of either African proverbs or Bible Scriptures. It simply shows comparisons by paralleling the two with personal comments or reflections. Each reader will need to determine for themselves how they are affected by the African proverbs and Bible Scriptures. I find relevance and practical use from both. Also, I appreciate the cultural and spiritual expansion of my horizons as I learn more.

I chose the title Proverbial Tree, as I thought of the tree of life, the depth of the roots of some trees, sustenance received from trees needed by mankind, and the long lives of some trees. Also, I thought of the references in the Bible to leaves and healing. Application of what is learned from both African proverbs and biblical Scriptures can make life more abundant. As an African American and Christian, my roots run deep in both. Therefore, I stand firm and enjoy the beauty and splendor of all that God has created! I sincerely hope you will enjoy the reading of Proverbial Tree.

Acholi Proverbs

and

Biblical Scriptures

A dog knows the places he is thrown food.

(Acholi proverb)

"And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the

crumbs which fall from their masters’ table."

(Matthew 15:27)

Comments:

It is worth noting that in most biblical references, the mentioning of dogs had far greater meanings than simply furry pets. In the reference above, the Canaanite woman used the reference to make a point regarding her faith. She knew the Jews looked upon her as less than a dog, but she was confident God looked at her heart and would not be a respecter of her person but of her faith. In any event, the woman referenced dogs knowing where to get food (even if just the crumbs). Likewise, her statement of faith was saying that although a Canaanite woman was not considered worthy of what was reserved for the Jews, she had enough faith to know that if Jesus would just respond in the manner that masters do to their dogs, if Jesus simply gave her leftovers (crumbs), that would be sufficient to meet her needs.

Because she knew her source and had faith, Jesus granted her request.

Likewise, every believer should be aware that our Master (Jesus) is heir to everything. As brothers and sisters, we are heirs and joint heirs. Therefore, we should be fully aware of the source of our provisions. As written in Psalm 121:1–2, I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whenc e c om eth m y help. My help cometh from the LORD, which m ad e heaven and earth.