Filipino Proverbs (Salawikain)
On Life and Wisdom:
1. Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makakarating sa paroroonan. (He who does not look back to where he came from will not reach his destination.) - Emphasizes the importance of remembering one's roots and past experiences.
2. Ang taong nagmamahal sa kanyang bayan, mamahalin din ng kanyang bayan. (He who loves his country will be loved by his country.) - Focuses on patriotism and the importance of loyalty to one's homeland.
3. Walang matigas na tinapay sa taong nagmamahal. (There's no bread too hard for someone who loves.) - Shows that dedication and love can overcome any obstacle.
4. Ang gawa ng tao, ay siyang nagpapakilala sa kanya. (A person's actions reveal who he truly is.) - Stresses the significance of one's deeds in determining their character.
5. Ang lumilipad ay mahuhulog. (What flies will fall.) - A warning against being overconfident or arrogant.
On Relationships and Society:
6. Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa. (Mercy is in God's hands, action is in man's.) - Emphasizes personal responsibility and the importance of taking action to improve one's situation.
7. Huwag mong gawin sa iba ang ayaw mong gawin sa iyo. (Do not do unto others what you do not want them to do unto you.) - The Golden Rule, advocating for empathy and consideration.
8. Kung ano ang itinanim, siyang aanihin. (What you sow, you will reap.) - Reinforces the idea of consequences and the importance of making good choices.
9. Ang mabuting tao, nagiging mabuti rin ang kanyang kaibigan. (A good person has good friends.) - Shows that surrounding yourself with good people can have a positive influence.
10. Walang matigas na puso sa taong may magandang asal. (No heart is hardened to a person with good manners.) - Highlights the power of politeness and respect in building relationships.
On Work and Effort:
11. Ang sariling sikap, ay siyang magpapayaman sa iyo. (Your own efforts will make you rich.) - Stresses the importance of hard work and self-reliance in achieving success.
12. Ang taong masipag, lagi siyang may pang-agahan. (A diligent person always has food on his table.) - Encourages hard work and perseverance to ensure a good living.
13. Ang nagmamadali, madalas nauuna. (Those who rush often end up first.) - Advocates for efficiency and speed in accomplishing tasks.
14. Kung ayaw mong magtrabaho, huwag kang kumain. (If you don't want to work, don't eat.) - A simple reminder that work is necessary for sustenance.
15. Ang hirap sa simula, ang ginhawa sa huli. (Difficult at the beginning, comfortable in the end.) - Encourages perseverance through initial challenges to achieve long-term rewards.
On Values and Ethics:
16. Ang taong matapat, mayroon siyang kaibigan. (An honest person has friends.) - Emphasizes the importance of honesty in building trust and lasting relationships.
17. Ang magalang sa matanda, matututo siyang magpakabuti. (Respect for elders teaches good behavior.) - Underlines the value of showing respect and the benefits of learning from experience.
18. Ang magandang asal, ay magandang pamana. (Good manners are a beautiful legacy.) - Stresses the importance of passing on good values and principles to future generations.
19. Ang pag-ibig ay di nakikita, ngunit nararamdaman. (Love is unseen but felt.) - Highlights the intangible nature of love and its impact on people's lives.
20. Ang masama ay di dapat tumbasan ng masama. (Do not repay evil with evil.) - Promotes forgiveness and the importance of choosing kindness even in the face of adversity.