Más sabe el diablo por viejo, que por diablo

Philip Sanders Tarot Deck

This common Mexican expression, Más sabe el diablo por viejo, que por diablo, literally means, ‘The devil knows more because he’s old than because he’s the devil’. It’s the understanding that knowledge and wisdom come from life experiences.

The devil, or el diablo, is one of the most diversified imaginary characters in Mexico’s idiosyncratic culture. It’s attributed to an infinite number of malevolent skills and knowledge to negatively influence or trap individual and collective behaviors in almost all daily activities.

Más sabe el diablo por viejo, que por diablo compares the devil with any person who has lived a long time and has wisdom to make decisions, as well as solve the most difficult problems through their experiences.

Therefore, yes, the devil is wise, but not because he’s the devil, but because he’s old.

“Pero papá, no me pasa nada en la calle en la madrugada con mis amigos.”

“Ay, mija, recuerda que más sabe el diablo por viejo, que por diablo.”

“But dad, nothing will happen to me and my friends if we’re out in the middle of the night.”

“Oh, my dear, remember I wasn’t born yesterday.”

If you would like to read more about Mexican culture, history, cuisine and language, check out our blog page for our latest monthly articles. You can also sign up to our newsletter to receive these straight to your inbox along with the latest news about our non-profit school for local and Indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto. 

The best way to experience the Mexican lifestyle is in person, with a Na’atik Immersion experience. Not only do you live with a local Mexican-Maya family, sharing home-cooked meals and free time, but also receive expert instruction in your chosen language at our school. Best of all, every immersion experience helps fund our subsidized and free local education program, helping local students to access opportunities and make their own futures.