I think it’s a sort of association with the wise in Middle Earth (although not all the time). The Gaffer is generally regarded (by Sam at least) to be a wise Hobbit, and he has many, many, proverbs. But I think it's all relative, really, even though some proverbs may be applicable to other situations to what they were made for. When Pippin says, of Hobbit proverbs, that they wouldn't interest those in Minas Tirith, it is probably because they are based mainly around peaceful hobbit life, gardening, smoking, drinking, and so on. Where as Minas Tirith would have proverbs based around war and battle, perhaps.
Gandalf, if he picked up the 'three times pays for all' proverb, was wise enough to apply it to his circumstances, as was Bilbo (Either that, or Tolkien simply liked the proverb for his own reasons). Its obvious that Hobbits were among the most advanced in Middle Earth, being touched little by war and suffering, having more time to think of sayings. Hobbits obviously had a close relationship with their parents and children (especially Sam and the Gaffer) and it is via that close relationship that wisdom or lore is passed on.
That’s what I think, anyway.
|