I came here to drink milk, not to count cows.

More Jamaican Proverbs

• Do not be misled by others’ excitement; use the facts to judge something for yourself.
• Make good manners a regular part of your life.
• The new broom sweeps clean, but the old broom knows all the corners.
• Sheltered persons don’t know true hardship or troubles.
• When someone behaves in an overly enthusiastic manner.
• Before allowing good food to spoil, allow the belly to burst.
• What went wrong in the morning cannot be remedied in the evening.
• Take what you can get until you can get what you want.
• A good friend is better than money in the pocket.
• When a meagre plantain wants to die, it shoots.
• If you do not smash an ant, it is impossible for you to find its guts.
• Too many rats never dug a good hole.
• The person who brings gossip to you is the same one taking it back.
• Do not purchase a pussycat in a bag.
• When some people find themselves with a little extra cash, they spend it on things that they don’t even need.
• Don’t let one donkey choke you.
• When the cocoa (cacao) ripens, it bursts.
• Every day the devil helps the theif; one day God will help the watchman.
• Rain never falls at one man’s door (only).
• If you are unable to get turkey, then you must be satisfied with John Crow.
• Words are never enough to get through difficult situations. Offer practical solutions and not just mere talk.
• You can shake a man’s head, but you cannot shake his heart.
• Shoes alone know if the stocking have holes.
• A cowardly man keeps sound bones.
• If you put your hand in the devil’s mouth, take it out carefully.
• One finger alone cannot kill lice.
• Do not expect to achieve success overnight, take it slowly.