E pala le ma'a, a e le pala le upu.

“Stones rot, but words do not.”

A promise or a spoken statement outlasts even solid rock — words carry lasting weight and must be honored.

E le pu se tino i upu.

“Words do not break bones.”

Harsh words may sting, but they cannot physically harm the way violence does — encouragement to bear criticism with composure.

E le fono paʻa mona vae.

“The crab did not consult with its legs before they went off to pinch.”

Young people who act rashly without seeking the counsel of their elders bring trouble on themselves.

Ua se ana.

“It is like a cave — something promised, but never given.”

Describes an empty promise, something spoken of but never delivered.

E toa e le loto, a e pa le noo.

“Strong in heart, but broken in the back.”

Said of someone whose willpower and courage exceed their physical strength.

Ua se taʻataʻa a le ala.

“Like grass by the roadside.”

Describes someone with no fixed home, drifting without belonging to a family or place.