Although we are often inclined to believe that life is unfair and that there is no natural justice, ancient sayings like these restore our faith in ultimate karma, which is how life balances itself. This African proverb is believed to be of Swahili origin and basically means “What goes around comes around, and what goes around comes around.” But the food imagery in the Swahili proverb is more relevant, as it bluntly warns that if you take someone else’s food, someone else will take your food.African proverb of the day: “He who eats other people’s food will also have his food eaten by others.”This proverb expresses reciprocity, karma, and cosmic justice. It serves as a harsh reminder that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, and that greed, exploitation, and even the innocent acceptance of unauthorized philanthropy ultimately require a balance in the scales. In the context of traditional African societies, where community is the cornerstone of existence, this proverb serves as both a moral compass and a social regulator.
The Origin of African Proverbs
This proverb originates primarily from West Africa, specifically the Yoruba and Igbo cultures of Nigeria, and parts of Ghana (Akan tradition). In these agricultural societies, food was not just food purchased from the grocery store; It is a direct result of hard physical labor—clearing forests, tilling soil, sowing seeds, weeding, and harvesting. Therefore, “food” represents a person’s vitality, time, wealth, and destiny.
concept Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a Bantu term meaning “I exist because we exist.” Traditional African societies were largely community driven. If your neighbors are hungry, feeding them is a collective responsibility. However, this system relies entirely on mutual respect. If a person becomes a perpetual consumer, constantly eating other people’s food without giving back to the common pot or respecting other people’s boundaries, they disrupt social balance. This proverb was created as a verbal warning from elders to teach children the dangers of cheapening, greed, and power.
Retribution or justice?
Tit for tat is more like retribution, but this African proverb is more about justice and balance. Here, victims don’t have to fight back against their oppressors. The universe will ensure that the oppressors become the oppressed. It is closely related to the biblical principle of “whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” The universe keeps a ledger – if you take something that is not yours, cosmic justice will ensure that you will lose something that is yours.
Relevance then and now
If viewed through the prism of history, European powers came to Africa and “eat the food” of the continent (mining gold, diamonds, oil and manpower). In the postcolonial era, global changes, migration patterns, and economic shocks force Western countries to grapple with the cascading consequences of historical exploitation.In modern African countries, this proverb is a strong criticism of corrupt political leaders. Dictators and corrupt officials who “eat” the public funds, wealth, and infrastructure that serve their citizens often find that their regimes are short-lived, or that their stolen wealth brings them the destruction of their reputations and families. Their own “food”—their heritage, peace of mind, and ultimately freedom—is eaten up by public outrage, coups, or historical shame.
justice is inevitable
That’s the beauty of this old saying, which can be interpreted in many ways:Independence is sacred: Plant your own garden so you don’t have to beg or steal other people’s harvest.Respect boundaries: What belongs to your neighbor is sacred; do not covet or consume it greedily.Justice is inevitable: You cannot escape the consequences of exploitation.In a modern world driven by instant gratification and cutthroat competition, this timeless African wisdom is a thought-provoking reminder to live with integrity, practice fair reciprocity, and remember that the universe always balances its books.
Similar sayings in English
English has several similar expressions:“One good turn is worth another turn.”“no pain no gain.”“There is no such thing as a free lunch.”“You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.”
