21 Great Navajo Sayings

The Navajo culture is filled with ancient knowledge and sayings that day back to the beginning of their time. This wisdom has lasted generations for a reason. Here are some great Navajo sayings that capture the essence of their beliefs and values.

“A man can’t get rich if he takes proper care of his family.”

“A rocky vineyard does not need a prayer, but a pick ax.”

“All who have died are equal.”

“Always assume your guest is tired, cold and hungry, and act accordingly.”

“Be still and the earth will speak to you.”

“Before me peaceful, behind me peaceful, under me peaceful, over me peaceful, all around me peaceful.”

“Coyote is always out there waiting, and Coyote is always hungry.”

“I grew up knowing it’s wrong to have more than you need. It means you’re not taking care of your people. ”

“If a man is as wise as a serpent, he can afford to be as harmless as a dove.”

“If you want to see what your body will look like tomorrow, look at your thoughts today.”

“Man’s law changes with his understanding of man. Only the laws of the spirit remain always the same”

“One rain does not make a crop.”

“Poverty is a noose that strangles humility and breeds disrespect for God and man.”

“There is nothing as eloquent as a rattlesnakes tail.”

“Those who tell the stories, rule the people.”

“Thoughts are like arrows: once released, they strike their mark. Guard them well or one day you may be your own victim.”

“When a man moves away from nature his heart becomes hard.”

“When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.”

“You cannot see the future with tears in your eyes.”

“You can’t wake a person who is pretending to be asleep.”

“You can’t win them all.”

Here is a great video on the naming concepts of Navajo baby names and how well your naming ideas would translate into the Navajo language.