†"The lizard that jumped from the high iroko tree to the ground said he would praise himself if no one else did." Okonkwo is explaining his hardworking nature to Nwakibie and his neighbours and sons. He feels proud with what he has done, and what he can achieve, and he will be proud of his achievements, and praise himself, even if nobody recognises them.
. † "Those whose palm-kernels were cracked for them by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble." This proverb is mentioned after Okonkwo calls Osugo a “woman” at the meeting. It suggests that a person should not be arrogant towards the people who help them.
† “When a man says yes, his chi says yes also” This proverb probably suggests that if a person is ambitious and positive about something, then this overrules the influence of his “chi” and he is able to achieve what he wants to achieve. This proverb probably suggests that if a person is ambitious and positive about something, then this overrules the influence of his “chi” and he is able to achieve what he wants to achieve.
†"If a child washed his hands, he could eat with kings"
By getting rid of past bad experiences and insinuations about one’s ancestors, one’s future can be changed. Each person can build his own future, and make it better, even to the extent of eating with kings.
†"When the moon is shining the cripple become hungry for walk"
The moon was very important amongst the Ibo tribe. It gave them courage and strength, and this proverb was used to describe the power that the moonlight had over the Ibo people. Perhaps the moonlight gave the cripple courage to want to get up and walk because it provided protection from the darkness.
†"If one finger brings oil, it soils all the others.” One bad thing may make cause all the rest to become bad. In this context, this proverb suggests that Okonkwo’s crime may lead to the downfall of the entire Umuofia clan.
†"The Earth cannot punish me for obeying her messenger." "A child’s fingers are not scalded by a piece of hot yam which its mother puts into its palm”.
†"The sun will shine on those who stand, before it shines on those who kneel under them."
† "Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch too - If one says no to the other, let his wing break." "
†"Living fire begets cold, impotent ash."
Okonkwo's analysis of the conversion of his "degenerate and effeminate" son, Nwoye.
†"As a man danced, so the drums were beaten for him."
Rev. Smith’s intransigence and hostility towards anything traditional.
†"Whenever you see a toad jumping in broad daylight, then you know that something is after its life."
†"Eneke the bird was asked why he was always on the wing and he replied: "Men have learned to shoot without missing their mark and I have learned to fly without perching on a twig." “You can tell a ripe corn by its look”
† “It is more difficult and more bitter if a man fails alone”
† “A proud heart can survive a general failure, because such a failure does not prick its pride”