The green snake said, "Watching a person is better than biting."

What it means

The snake is able to bite, yet it says that watching is better. The proverb advises observing and staying calm rather than hurting someone.

Fon · West Africa

Source and context

From: Fon, West Africa

Source: Fon (Benin, Nigeria, Togo) oral-tradition proverb — "African Proverb of the Month," March 2022 (afriprov.tangaza.ac.ke)

The source explains it: sometimes it is better to observe and remain calm rather to hurt others. The wording of the meaning is ours.