Words of Wisdom
Damiana L. Eugenio, The mother of Philippine Folklore compiled and edited what may very
well be considered as the most comprehensive collection of proverbs in our country. There is a limited
number of works like this in existence. She spent a lifetime collecting pieces of folk literature that
revealour ancestors‟ wisdom. When shegathered proverbs from various areas in our country, she
declaredthat our elderslived by simple, yet very meaningful rules of righteous living. In fact, she
asserted that even the Spaniards who colonized our country noticed how proverbs formed part of
the native spirit. Spanish missionaries were found to have translated such proverbs and other oral
expressions in Spanish in order for their fellow religious people to learn our indigenous languages. By doing
so, they were able to interact with the early Filipinos their and eventually introduce the Catholic
faith.Proverbs are brief instructive expressions that suggest a specific action, behavior, or judgment.
Referred to by some scholars as “the wisdom of many and the wit of one”, they are commonly written in
the form of short assertions or poetic two-liners which have rhyme. It is interesting to note that people are
easily struck by proverbs when they are woven in conversationsorwritings. This is perhaps because they
have the power to teach people the more essential truths about life and the complexity of living.
Compared to lengthy narrations, descriptions, or argumentations, proverbs are able to effect
quickly a change in view or disposition.In Filipino, proverbs are called salawikainor sawikain. Theyprescribe
norms, impart a lesson,or emphasize traditions and beliefs in acommunity.Inthe anthology of DamianaL.
Eugenio, she classified proverbs into six categories: (1) proverbs expressing a general attitude towards
life and the laws that govern life; (2) ethical proverbs recommending certain virtues and condemning
certain vices; (3) proverbs expressing a system of values; (4) proverbs expressing general truths and
observations about life and human nature; (5) humorous proverbs and (6) miscellaneous proverbs.
Below are examples of each category.
1. Proverbs expressing a general attitude towards life and the laws that govern life
Walang ligaya sa lupa na di dinilig ng luha. (Tagalog)
There is no earthly joy that is not watered with tears.
Ang kapalaran ko di ko man hanapin, dudulog lalapit kung talagang akin. (Tagalog)
The good fortune which is intended for me will come even without my seeking it.
2. Ethical proverbs recommending certain virtues and condemning certain vices
Walang utang na di pinagbayaran. (Tagalog)
No debt remains unpaid
Dai mo pagpaagahan an magigibo mo ngonyan. (Bikol)
Do not put off for tomorrow what you can do for today.
3. Proverbs expressing a system of values
Ti nasadot a baro cas carne a nadangro. (Ilokano)
A lazy young man is like foul smelling meat.
Ang mga tulo singgot sa taong mangguibuhaton paga bayran gayud sa guihapon. (Boholano)
Every drop of perspiration of an industrious man will be rewarded accordingly.
4. Proverbs expressing general truths and observations about life and human nature
Huli man at magaling, ay naihahabol din. (Tagalog)
A good thing is never too late.
Ti saan a matimtemec, nauyong no macaunget. (Ilokano)
The quite person is slow to anger but terrible when aroused.
Ing mayap a babai, maiguit ya karing rubi. (Pampango)
A good woman is worth more than rubies
5. Humorous proverbs
Ang gugma sang tigulang daw igui nga nagakamang. (Hiligaynon)
The love of an old man is like a snail that crawls.
Kay tagal nanindahan, kabili bili’y balindang. (Tagalog)
After shopping for a long time, he ended up with a poor purchase.
6. Miscellaneous proverbs (typically expressive of specific realities to a certain area)
Dica agcapcapoy no bassit ti inapoy; dica agnengnengneng no bassit ti diningdeng. (Ilokano)
Don‟t be too slow if there‟s only a little rice; don‟t be too shy if there‟s only a little viand
