Hillbilly Wisdom: Proverbs from the Appalachian Mountains

For country folks with roots in the southern Appalachian Mountains, being called a "hillbilly" used to be an insult. For some of us with true southern "hillbilly" roots, however, we're proud of that term. We take pride in where we come from. We appreciate the ways and wisdom that our hillbilly kin left us. It's a legacy that speaks of the true grit and simple lifestyle that they practiced. While our ancestors may not have had a lot of "book learning," as my grandmother would say, they had their own kind of "smarts" and wisdom. This collection of country folk proverbs below, often called "Hillbilly Wisdom," has been passed down for generations by word of mouth and found its way to the internet several years ago. The original author is unknown, and it's certainly been added to over the years. I've added a few myself that my hillbilly kin taught me. I hope you enjoy the simplicity and logic found in these words.

Andy Mullins, east Tennessee (grandfather of author)Photo byFamily photo (owned by author)

• Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.
• Keep skunks, bankers, and politicians at a distance.
• Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
• A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
• Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
• The best sermons are lived, not preached.
• If you don’t take the time to do it right, you’ll find the time to do it twice.
• Don’t corner something that is meaner than you.
• Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.
• It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.
• You cannot unsay a cruel word.

Lila Mullins, Elk River, Tennessee (mother of author)Photo byFamily photo (owned by author)

• Every path has a few puddles.
• When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
• Don’t be banging your shin on a stool that’s not in the way.
• Borrowing trouble from the future doesn’t deplete the supply.
• Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen anyway.
• Don’t judge folks by their relatives.
• Silence is sometimes the best answer.
• Don‘t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t botherin’ you none.
• Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
• If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin’.
• Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.
• The biggest troublemaker you’ll ever have to deal with is the one that watches you from the mirror every mornin’.
• Always drink upstream from the herd.
• Good judgment comes from experience, and most of that comes from bad judgment.

Benton and William Mullins with their dog, Penny, Lincoln County, Tennessee (father and uncle of author)Photo byFamily photo (owned by author)

• Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.
• If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.
• Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time.
• Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
• Most times, it just gets down to common sense.
• Do it right the first time and you won't have to do it twice.
• Keep your soul clean and your work boots dirty.
• Clean up your own back yard before you complain about the neighbors
• They can't get your goat if you don't tell 'em where it's tied.

Proud of your hillbilly roots? Have some hillbilly wisdom to add to the list? Leave a note in the comments!

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