Paraguay represents a unique cultural anomaly in the Americas, a land where the indigenous language, Guarani, did not merely survive colonization but flourished to become the voice of the entire nation. Unlike other Latin American countries where indigenous languages are often marginalized, Guarani is spoken by the vast majority of the population, regardless of ethnicity. This linguistic resilience has preserved a worldview—or "Teko"—that is deeply rooted in the red earth of the region, the cycles of nature, and a profound, communal spirituality. To understand the proverbs of Paraguay is to understand a philosophy that refuses to separate humanity from the natural world, viewing the spoken word as a sacred vessel of the soul.
The oral tradition of Paraguay is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of indigenous Guarani wisdom and Spanish colonial influence, resulting in a cultural phenomenon known as "Jopará" (the mixture). This blend creates a pragmatic yet mystical approach to life. The Guarani people historically viewed the word ("Ayvu") not just as a tool for communication, but as the very essence of human existence; in their cosmology, to speak is to create. Consequently, the proverbs that have trickled down through centuries are not idle chatter. They are survival manuals, moral compasses, and humorous observations designed to navigate the hardships of life with stoicism and a characteristic spark of wit.
Socially, these proverbs serve as the glue of the community. In the sweltering heat of the afternoon, while sharing "tereré" (cold herbal mate) from a communal horn, elders pass these sayings down to the younger generation. They cover every aspect of the human condition: the necessity of hard work, the inevitability of destiny, the complexity of social hierarchies, and the cunning required to survive in a world that can be as harsh as it is beautiful. The wisdom contained herein is earthy and raw, often using metaphors involving local fauna—jaguars, monkeys, and oxen—to illustrate complex psychological truths.
In this comprehensive collection, we explore the heart of South America through its most enduring sayings. These proverbs offer a window into a culture that values silence over noise, community over the individual, and the enduring power of nature over the fleeting ambitions of man. Prepare to journey into the "Land of the Spider" and the "Red Earth" to uncover universal truths preserved in the Guarani soul.
POPULAR PROVERBS
The Essence of Life, Destiny, and the Teko
"The sun comes out for everyone."
This proverb reflects the fundamental Guarani belief in the equality of nature and the divine distribution of grace. It suggests that regardless of social status, wealth, or past mistakes, the fundamental blessings of life are available to all. It serves as a reminder of hope during dark times, reinforcing the idea that opportunities will return just as surely as the dawn.
"No evil lasts a hundred years, nor a body that can endure it."
A testament to the impermanence of suffering, this saying is used to comfort those going through immense hardship. It posits that all situations, no matter how terrible, are finite by nature. The somewhat dark humor regarding the "body that can endure it" highlights the Paraguayan tendency to face mortality with realism and acceptance.
"The shrimp that falls asleep is carried away by the current."
This is a vivid warning against complacency and a lack of alertness in the flow of life. It implies that the world is constantly moving and shifting, and those who fail to pay attention or work hard will be swept away by circumstances beyond their control. It emphasizes the need for constant vigilance and adaptation.
"God helps those who wake up early."
While found in many cultures, in the agrarian context of Paraguay, this speaks deeply to the rhythm of rural life. It connects success directly to discipline, rising with the sun, and aligning oneself with the natural order of the day. It suggests that divine providence is not passive but rewards active effort and initiative.
"Slowly, one goes far."
Patience is a cardinal virtue in Guarani culture, where the cycles of crops and seasons dictate the pace of existence. This proverb advises against the anxiety of rushing, suggesting that steady, consistent progress is superior to frantic, unsustainable bursts of energy. It champions resilience and the long-term view over immediate gratification.
"He who seeks, finds."
This saying serves as both an encouragement for the curious and a warning for the suspicious. It implies that the universe yields answers to those who persistently investigate, but it also cautions that looking for trouble or flaws often results in finding exactly what one feared. It speaks to the power of intention in shaping one's reality.
"When one door closes, another opens."
Optimism is a survival strategy in Paraguayan history, a nation that has rebuilt itself from near-total devastation. This proverb encapsulates that resilient spirit, teaching that failure is not a dead end but a redirection. It encourages people to look for new opportunities rather than dwelling on past losses.
"The devil knows more because he is old, not because he is the devil."
This saying places a supreme value on the wisdom accumulated through age and experience rather than innate intelligence or status. It teaches respect for elders, suggesting that living through time provides insights that cannot be learned in books. It is a reminder to listen to those who have walked the path before you.
"What the eyes don't see, the heart doesn't feel."
Often used in the context of relationships or bad news, this suggests that ignorance can sometimes be a form of bliss or protection. It acknowledges the burden of knowledge and implies that one does not need to know every detail of a situation to maintain emotional peace. However, it can also serve as a warning about the dangers of willful blindness.
"Everything has a remedy, except death."
This proverb is the ultimate expression of pragmatic problem-solving and acceptance of the inevitable. It encourages people to fix what can be fixed and not to despair over solvable problems, while simultaneously commanding a humble acceptance of mortality. It grounds the listener in the reality of the present moment.
"Better to be alone than in bad company."
Community is vital in Paraguay, but this proverb establishes a boundary, valuing spiritual peace over social obligation. It suggests that solitude is a dignified state that allows for reflection, whereas toxic relationships drain the soul. It empowers the individual to choose their environment carefully.
"Water that you will not drink, let it run."
This is an advice on non-attachment and letting go of things, people, or opportunities that do not serve you. It teaches against hoarding resources or affection that one cannot use, suggesting that they should flow to where they are needed. It is a lesson in generosity and focus.
"Words fly, writings remain."
In a culture with a strong oral tradition that transitioned to written laws, this emphasizes the importance of contracts and tangible proof. It warns against trusting mere promises which can be forgotten or twisted. It highlights the weight of commitment and the fickle nature of memory.
"He who laughs last, laughs best."
This proverb speaks to the vindication of patience and the unpredictable nature of fortune. It cautions against premature celebration and arrogance, reminding the listener that the final outcome is the only one that truly matters. It suggests that endurance often wins over speed or flashiness.
"Appearances deceive."
Rooted in a society where humility is valued, this warns against judging someone's character by their dress or status. It suggests that true value is internal and hidden, much like the roots of a plant. It encourages a deeper look into the soul of a person rather than their exterior.
"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."
This practical wisdom values certainty and tangible assets over potential and risk. It reflects a conservative approach to life and resources, advising people to cherish and utilize what they currently possess rather than gambling it away for a greater, but uncertain, reward.
"To bad weather, a good face."
Stoicism is a defining trait of the Paraguayan character, and this proverb encapsulates the refusal to be defeated by external circumstances. It encourages maintaining a positive attitude and a smile even when life becomes difficult or tragic. It is an assertion of control over one's emotional state.
"Time cures everything."
This saying offers solace to the grieving and the heartbroken, trusting in the natural erosion of pain over days and years. It implies that human emotions are mutable and that the intensity of suffering will eventually fade. It frames time as a benevolent, healing force.
"The habit does not make the monk."
Similar to appearances deceiving, this emphasizes that wearing a uniform or holding a title does not grant wisdom or morality. It demands that respect be earned through actions and character rather than assumed through status. It is a critique of superficial authority.
"Every cloud has a silver lining."
(Note: While universal, the local variation focuses on "No hay mal que por bien no venga"). It teaches that negative events often act as catalysts for positive change. It encourages looking for the hidden lesson or the unexpected benefit in every disaster.
Human Relations and the Community (Ñande Reko)
"Tell me who you walk with, and I will tell you who you are."
This proverb highlights the strong belief that an individual is shaped by their community and peers. It serves as a warning to youth to choose their friends wisely, as social associations are seen as a reflection of one's own values and character. It underscores the permeability of the self.
"Faces we see, hearts we do not know."
A caution against trusting too easily, this saying reminds us that a pleasant demeanor can hide malicious intent. It speaks to the complexity of human nature and the fact that everyone carries a secret inner world. It encourages prudence in social dealings.
"Between jokes, the truth appears."
Paraguayans often use humor to diffuse tension, but this proverb acknowledges that humor is often a vehicle for suppressed truths. It suggests paying close attention to what is said in jest, as it often reveals the speaker's true feelings or opinions. It validates intuition in social communication.
"Love is blind."
This classic observation is taken very seriously, explaining why people make irrational choices in partners. It serves as a communal explanation for mismatched couples or toxic relationships, attributing the error to the overwhelming, blinding force of passion rather than a failure of intellect.
"He who has a mouth makes mistakes."
This is a plea for forgiveness and tolerance, acknowledging that error is an intrinsic part of the human condition. It suggests that anyone who dares to speak or act risks being wrong, and therefore, we should be gentle with the mistakes of others. It promotes a culture of empathy.
"Today for you, tomorrow for me."
This is the fundamental rule of reciprocity that governs rural and urban communities alike. It implies that helping a neighbor is not just charity, but an investment in one's own future security. It weaves a web of mutual obligation that strengthens the social fabric.
"A friend is a treasure."
In a culture that values loyalty, true friendship is elevated above material wealth. This proverb suggests that a reliable friend is a rare and invaluable resource who provides support that money cannot buy. It encourages the nurturing of long-term bonds.
"Blood is thicker than water."
Family ties in Paraguay are paramount and often supersede all other obligations. This saying reinforces the idea that when crises occur, family is the ultimate safety net. It demands loyalty to kin regardless of internal disagreements.
"He who warns is not a traitor."
This proverb justifies giving unwanted advice or warnings, framing it as an act of loyalty rather than betrayal. It suggests that a true friend speaks the hard truths to prevent disaster, even if those truths are uncomfortable to hear. It values honesty over politeness.
"Keep your advice for yourself if you don't use it."
This is a sharp rebuke of hypocrisy, demanding that those who preach must also practice. It undermines the authority of those who try to dictate the lives of others while their own lives are in disarray. It calls for integrity and consistency.
"Three is a crowd."
Used in romantic contexts, this proverb protects the intimacy of the couple. It suggests that certain relationships require privacy and exclusion to flourish. It warns against the interference of third parties in matters that should concern only two.
"A lie has short legs."
This vivid metaphor suggests that the truth moves faster and endures longer than any fabrication. It warns that liars will eventually be caught because their stories cannot sustain the long journey of reality. It promotes honesty as the most pragmatic policy.
"Silence is gold."
In a culture that values the weight of the word, silence is often seen as a sign of wisdom and restraint. This proverb suggests that knowing when not to speak is more valuable than having something to say. It protects against the folly of rash speech.
"The fish dies by its mouth."
Similar to the silence proverb, this warns that talking too much or boasting leads to one's downfall. It suggests that people often incriminate themselves or reveal their weaknesses through their own excessive speech. It counsels discretion.
"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth."
This teaches gratitude and politeness, advising that one should not criticize or assess the value of a gift. It emphasizes the sentiment behind the act of giving rather than the material quality of the object. It preserves social harmony.
"He who gives, receives."
A spiritual and social law of karma, this implies that generosity creates a vacuum that the universe fills. It encourages an open hand, suggesting that hoarding leads to stagnation while giving leads to abundance.
"United we stand, divided we fall."
This speaks to the collective resilience of the Paraguayan people, particularly in their history of war and reconstruction. It emphasizes that strength lies in cohesion and that fragmentation leads to vulnerability. It is a call for national and community solidarity.
"Do good without looking at who."
True charity is indiscriminate; this proverb teaches that one should help others based on their need, not their identity or status. It elevates the act of giving to a spiritual duty that transcends personal biases or expectations of reward.
"The walls have ears."
A remnant of times of political repression and tight-knit village gossip, this warns that privacy is an illusion. It advises caution in speaking secrets, assuming that someone is always listening. It encourages discretion in all environments.
"Better late than never."
This proverb excuses delayed actions as long as they are eventually completed. It suggests that the intention and the final result are more important than the timeline. It offers redemption for procrastination or delays caused by life's hurdles.
Work, Laziness, and Perseverance (Mba’apo)
"Work ennobles the man."
This proverb posits that labor is not merely a means of survival but the very thing that gives a person dignity and purpose. It suggests that idleness leads to moral decay, while effort builds character. It celebrates the worker as the foundation of society.
"To the ant, the dew is a flood."
This profound perspective shift reminds us that problems are relative to the size and capacity of the person facing them. It calls for empathy, suggesting we should not judge the struggles of others by our own standards. It also highlights the fragility of life.
"Cheap things come out expensive."
A warning against cutting corners or buying low-quality goods to save money. It suggests that investing in quality, whether in tools or relationships, saves pain in the long run. It promotes a value-based approach to economy.
"Laziness is the mother of all vices."
This is a stern cultural warning that doing nothing opens the door to trouble. It suggests that keeping busy is a moral imperative that keeps the mind and body from degenerating. It frames work as a protective shield against sin.
"He who has a store, let him tend it."
This proverb emphasizes personal responsibility and the need for hands-on management. It suggests that one cannot delegate the core responsibilities of their livelihood without risking failure. It calls for presence and attention to detail.
"Iron is forged while hot."
This advises seizing the moment of opportunity before it cools and hardens. It speaks to the necessity of timing in work and decision-making. It implies that hesitation can cause a unique opportunity to be lost forever.
"Sow winds and you will harvest storms."
A warning about the consequences of negative actions, particularly in how one treats others or handles business. It suggests that small negative inputs grow into massive, destructive outputs over time. It is a lesson in causality.
"The eye of the owner fattens the cattle."
Similar to tending the store, this specifically relates to agriculture. It means that assets grow and flourish only when they are directly supervised by the person who has the most to lose. It underscores the value of oversight.
"Do not leave for tomorrow what you can do today."
This anti-procrastination adage fights against the laid-back nature of the heat. It urges immediate action to prevent the accumulation of burdens. It frames the present as the only time one truly possesses.
"He who sleeps, does not catch fish."
A direct link between wakefulness, effort, and sustenance. It implies that resources are available, but only to those who are active enough to capture them. It is a criticism of passivity.
"Practice makes the master."
This emphasizes repetition and experience over innate talent. It encourages the learner to persist through failure, suggesting that mastery is a result of endurance. It democratizes success as something achievable by anyone willing to put in the hours.
"Little by little, the bird builds its nest."
A celebration of incremental progress. It reminds us that great structures and lives are built one small piece at a time. It offers encouragement when a task seems overwhelming, focusing on the small, manageable steps.
"There is no gain without pain."
This acknowledges that suffering and effort are the necessary prices for success. It frames hardship not as a punishment, but as the currency with which achievement is bought. It validates the struggle.
"The early bird catches the worm."
This reiterates the cultural value of rising early, associating the morning hours with productivity and advantage. It suggests that the world belongs to those who start before the competition.
"A new broom sweeps well."
This proverb observes that new employees or leaders often start with great energy, but questions whether it will last. It serves as a check on initial enthusiasm, suggesting that consistency over time is the true test of quality.
"Too many cooks spoil the broth."
While community is valued, this warns against a lack of clear leadership. It suggests that when too many people try to direct a single task, the result is chaos. It advocates for clear hierarchy and defined roles in work.
"Necessity is the mother of invention."
Paraguayans are famous for their ingenuity in fixing things with limited resources. This saying celebrates that creativity, noting that humans are most brilliant when they have no other choice. It reframes scarcity as a driver of innovation.
"Money calls money."
A cynical but realistic observation that wealth tends to accumulate where it already exists. It acknowledges the difficulty of upward mobility and the momentum of capital. It serves as a financial warning to protect what one has.
"He who pays in advance is served badly."
A practical consumer tip suggesting that one should retain leverage in a transaction. It implies that once payment is received, the motivation to provide good service diminishes. It advises caution in business deals.
"Shoemaker, to your shoes."
This advises people to stick to their area of expertise and not meddle in affairs they do not understand. It promotes specialization and humility regarding the limits of one's knowledge.
Nature, Animals, and the Earth (Yvy & Mymba)
"The jaguar does not eat the jaguar."
This powerful metaphor suggests that even fierce predators have a code of loyalty to their own kind. It implies that there should be professional courtesy or solidarity among people of the same group. It condemns betrayal among peers.
"The monkey never looks at his tail."
This proverb criticizes the lack of self-awareness. It suggests that people are quick to mock the flaws of others while ignoring their own identical faults. It calls for introspection before judgment.
"Every pig gets its Saturday."
Referring to the tradition of slaughtering pigs for feasts, this proverb means that everyone will eventually face their judgment or downfall. It serves as a warning to the arrogant that their time of power is finite. Justice is inevitable.
"When the cat is away, the mice party."
This captures the dynamic of authority and rebellion. It suggests that discipline is often maintained only through supervision, and chaos ensues when oversight is removed. It speaks to the opportunistic nature of behavior.
"A barking dog does not bite."
This proverb dismisses loud, aggressive posturing as a sign of weakness. It suggests that those who make the most noise often have no intention or ability to act. It advises not to be intimidated by empty threats.
"The fox loses its hair, but not its tricks."
This warns that while people may age or change their appearance, their fundamental nature remains the same. It suggests that a cunning person will always be cunning. It advises skepticism regarding people who claim to have changed.
"One swallow does not make a summer."
This advises against drawing general conclusions from a single event. It suggests that one good deed does not make a person good, nor does one lucky break ensure success. It calls for a broader perspective.
"Big fish eats little fish."
A recognition of the harsh hierarchies of nature and society. It acknowledges that the powerful often consume the weak. It serves as a cynical reminder to know one's place in the food chain.
"Crocodile that sleeps becomes a purse."
A humorous but deadly serious warning. If you are not alert, you will not just fail; you will be commodified and destroyed. It emphasizes the extreme danger of passivity in a competitive environment.
"Don't count your chickens before they hatch."
This agricultural wisdom warns against banking on future profits. It reminds the listener that nature is unpredictable and that until the result is tangible, it is not real. It promotes financial prudence.
"The ox talks, but only in the cart."
This suggests that people only reveal their true capacity or complaints when they are under the weight of work. It also implies that work is the place for action, not idle chatter. It connects voice to labor.
"Even the best hunter loses the hare."
This proverb humbles the expert. It reminds us that no matter how skilled one is, failure is always a possibility. It encourages forgiveness for one's own mistakes and keeps the ego in check.
"Where there is smoke, there is fire."
This validates intuition and rumors. It suggests that signs and symptoms usually point to a real underlying cause. It warns against ignoring early warning signs of trouble.
"You cannot cover the sun with a finger."
This speaks to the futility of trying to hide the obvious truth. It suggests that some realities are too big to be concealed and that denial is a useless strategy. It encourages facing the truth head-on.
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
This reinforces the connection between generations. It suggests that children inevitably inherit the traits of their parents. It is used both to praise lineage and to explain inherited vices.
"Water flows to the river."
Similar to "money calls money," this suggests that things tend to return to their source or accumulate where there is already abundance. It speaks to the natural order of flow and accumulation.
"After the storm comes the calm."
A message of hope drawn from weather patterns. It reminds people that turbulent times are temporary and that peace inevitably follows chaos. It encourages endurance during the "storm" of life.
"A tree that is born crooked never straightens its trunk."
This fatalistic proverb suggests that fundamental flaws in character or early development are permanent. It implies that early education and formation are critical because it is impossible to fix deep-seated issues later in life.
"Flies don't enter a closed mouth."
A hygienic metaphor for discretion. It suggests that if you keep your mouth shut, you avoid problems, misunderstandings, and "swallowing" bad situations. It values silence as a protective mechanism.
"To the hunger, there is no hard bread."
This reminds us that necessity changes our perspective on quality. It suggests that when one is truly in need, one cannot be picky. It teaches gratitude for whatever sustenance is available.
Ethics, Caution, and Wisdom (Arandu)
"Knowledge does not take up space."
This proverb encourages lifelong learning. It suggests that carrying wisdom is never a burden, unlike material possessions. It elevates intellectual and practical knowledge as the ultimate lightweight travel asset.
"Prevention is better than cure."
Derived from medical wisdom, this applies to all of life. It suggests that foresight and caution are far less costly than fixing a disaster after it happens. It promotes a proactive lifestyle.
"He who excuses himself, accuses himself."
This psychological insight suggests that unprompted defensive behavior is a sign of guilt. It warns that trying too hard to prove innocence often has the opposite effect. It advises standing on one's integrity without excessive explanation.
"Not all that glitters is gold."
A classic warning against materialism and superficiality. It reminds the listener to test the true quality of things and people, rather than being dazzled by their shine. It encourages critical thinking.
"The thief judges by his own condition."
This suggests that untrustworthy people assume everyone else is also untrustworthy. It reveals that our judgment of others is often a projection of our own character. It is a defense against unjust accusations.
"Do what I say, not what I do."
Often said ironically, this acknowledges the difficulty of living up to one's own standards. It highlights the gap between moral knowledge and moral action. It is a confession of human fallibility.
"He who strikes first, strikes twice."
This advises decisiveness in conflict. It suggests that initiative provides a strategic advantage that is worth double the effort. It warns against hesitation in competitive or dangerous situations.
"A word to the wise is sufficient."
This implies that intelligent people do not need detailed explanations or repetition. A hint or a gesture should be enough for a wise person to understand the situation. It values perception and quick wit.
"Patience is a tree with bitter roots but sweet fruits."
This beautiful metaphor acknowledges that waiting is painful ("bitter roots") but the reward ("sweet fruit") makes it worthwhile. It reframes suffering as an investment in a better future.
"Greed breaks the sack."
This warns that trying to carry too much—trying to gain too much profit or power—leads to losing everything. It suggests that moderation is the key to sustainability. It condemns unbridled ambition.
"Courtesy does not subtract from bravery."
This defines true masculinity and strength. It suggests that being polite and respectful is not a sign of weakness. One can be a fierce warrior and a gentleman simultaneously.
"Ask and you shall receive."
This encourages vocalizing one's needs. It suggests that pride often prevents people from getting help. It implies that the community is willing to assist, but the individual must take the first step of asking.
"There is no worse deaf man than the one who does not want to hear."
This speaks to the power of denial. It suggests that you cannot convince someone who has chosen to ignore the truth. It advises saving your breath rather than arguing with the stubborn.
"He who owes nothing, fears nothing."
This connects a clear conscience with a peaceful life. It suggests that integrity eliminates anxiety. It encourages living an honest life to avoid the paranoia of being caught.
"To foolish words, deaf ears."
This advises ignoring insults or bad advice. It suggests that the best response to stupidity is not engagement, but total disregard. It empowers the listener to filter what they allow into their mind.
"The cheap is expensive."
Reiterated in ethical terms, this suggests that "cheap" moral choices (lies, cheating) have a high cost in the end. It applies the economic principle to spiritual integrity.
"Each master with his booklet."
This acknowledges that everyone has their own way of doing things. It encourages tolerance for different methods and warns against imposing one's own style on others. It respects individual autonomy.
"The lie has short legs."
(Repeated for emphasis in the ethical section). It serves as the cornerstone of moral instruction for children. It guarantees that the truth is faster than deceit.
"Justice delays, but it arrives."
A hopeful assertion in a region often plagued by corruption. It suggests that cosmic or legal justice is inevitable, even if it is slow. It encourages patience and faith in the moral arc of the universe.
"He who sows wind, reaps storms."
(The ultimate ethical summary). It reminds us that our actions have consequences that are often amplified. It serves as a final warning to live with intention and care for the earth and each other.
Conclusion
The proverbs of Paraguay are more than just quaint sayings; they are the linguistic DNA of a resilient people. They represent the "Jopará," the mixing of the indigenous Guarani connection to the earth with the Spanish colonial legacy. Through these 100 nuggets of wisdom, we see a culture that values community, respects the rhythms of nature, and faces the hardships of life with a unique blend of stoicism and humor.
Whether warning against the dangers of a "sleeping shrimp" or extolling the virtues of "patience's sweet fruit," these sayings offer a guide to the "Teko"—the right way of living. They remind us that while languages may differ, the fundamental struggles and joys of the human experience are universal. In a world that is increasingly disconnected, the wisdom of the Guarani language invites us to listen to the earth, cherish our neighbors, and weigh our words carefully.
Which of these proverbs resonates most with your life today? Do you find comfort in the patience of the earth or the warning of the jaguar? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
FURTHER READING
- The Silent Wisdom of the Andes: 100 Quechua Proverbs
- Saudade and Soul: Exploring the Depth of Portuguese Proverbs
- Spirits of the Amazon: Indigenous Wisdom from the Brazilian Rainforest