Bab pi long, men sousi pi vye
Meaning
Do not downplay or belittle the knowledge and experience of someone who is older or more experienced than you.
For example, a young man may feel confident about his decisions, but he should not disregard the experience of his parents or elders.
Translation: The beard may be longer, but the eyebrows are older.
Example 1
Wesly panse m pa konprann jan l santi l lè mwen di l pou l pa kouri marye. Li dwe sonje: bab pi long, men sousi pi vye.
Wesly thinks I don't understand how he feels when I tell him not to rush into marriage. He should remember that I am older and more experienced than he is.
Example 2
Se vre ou gen plis fòs pou travay, men sonje: bab pi long, men sousi pi vye. Piske ou pa t koute konsèy mwen an, biznis lan pral gen yon gwo defisi. W ap wè!
It's true that you have more energy to work, but remember that I am older and more experienced. Since you did not listen to my advice, the business is going to suffer a major loss. You'll see!
Be Flexible
You can use this proverb with people of different ages, not only when comparing young people with the elderly.
For example, it may apply when a 23-year-old is watching over his 12-year-old brother.
Although they are both relatively young, the younger brother should recognize that his older sibling may have more knowledge and experience.