A tree is known by its fruit.
--Zulu (South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland)
Once traveling in South Africa with a Zulu-speaking companion, I commented on the hugh cactus “trees” along side the dusty road. “They seem similar to the Prickly Pear Cactus of my own southwestern deserts; are they good to eat? ” Oh, yes, these are the good kind!,” she said, and then quoted me the proverb above. A “good” cactus tree is known by the sweet and juicy red fruit it produces when fully ripe. Some cactus fruits, though, are full of promise on the outside but once you get beyond the spiny skin, their flesh is pale, pulpy, decidedly unappealing. Some people are like that, she said, all “promise” on the outside but of little substance where it counts.
A person's success is shown by his deeds. A person can talk, and talk, and talk convincingly. A person may be an orator, or a bragger, and those listening to him may believe him for a while. But, if there are no deeds to go with the talking, he may as well have kept quiet. One's story will be validated only by one's deeds. Some people are good at talking, but what they have done or are doing is the real proof. This Zulu proverb emphasizes that a person is successful because of their actions, not just by their words.
My African friends can tell a bad prickly pear tree by the fruit the tree produces. You can try to tell people that this cactus tree is a good one all you want, but the fruit will tell the truth. So it is with us. You can claim you love the people all day long, but if you do not show it by being there for them, physically, emotionally, monetarily, or otherwise, then guess what? You do not. Your words mean nothing. Your deeds make all the difference!
--WB Scribbler
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