Our world is full of dangers and there are certain things we cannot control, like the recent Asian Tsunami, or road accidents, or civil wars.

But there are also times when we choose things which put us in danger. ‘Do not open the mouth of a snake to see its teeth’ is a proverb from the Basotho people of Southern Africa.

It means, do not put yourself into a dangerous place. If you have sex with someone not your wife without using a condom, you are putting yourself in danger of contracting HIV/Aids.

The first time you choose a cigarette or take a dangerous drug, you are throwing yourself into a hole that will be very hard to get out.

Often, some people do these things, not because they really want to, but because of peer pressure, because they are afraid of what their friends will think about them. 

Many people smoke today because of influence of their friends. These things can affect your health, or even take your life, your money, friends, or your freedom. Please, don’t open the mouth of snake to see its teeth!
 
Ruzigana Jean Damascene, Kigali Health Institute Nursing Department