Proverbs play an integral role in culture globally, embodying various collective wisdom, experiences, and truths of societies and offering deep insights into the beliefs a community follows. These sayings are often characterized by conveying practical advice, universal truths, and moral life lessons concisely and briefly. In essence, proverbs are more than a few words; they compress complex wisdom, traditions, and humor of cultures and serve as a gateway to a broader view of the world.
Proverbs in a nutshell
A proverb imparts a traditional saying that conveys advice, a general truth, or universal wisdom concisely and briefly. Often passed down through generations, they have become cornerstones and valuable guidance in decision-making and complex life situations, as they reflect the beliefs, culture, and values of virtually all societies. In other words, they compress otherwise complex ideas and wisdom into compact and simple versions to be lasting and easy to understand.
Definition: Proverbs
Proverbs often include metaphorical context and variate based on their cultural background and the generations they have been passed through. They are typically recognized by compactly conveying complex general truths, practical advice, or traditional wisdom. Proverbial expressions are common sayings across virtually every culture and reflect mutual beliefs and values respectively. Based on their nature of common sense and collective human experience, they have distinct characteristics, which are elaborated on below.
Proverbs stand out with their brevity and simplification of complex context. This makes them more memorable, contributing to adopting them in many cultures and transmitting them across generations.
The core of most proverbs is rooted in the culture they originate from. Thus, they tend to reflect common beliefs, experiences, and values of the respective culture. Passing through many generations, they can evolve and take on different meanings.
Proverbs often take on an instructive or educational nature by communicating morality, human behavior, and practical advice. In other words, their purpose lies in teaching life lessons that are easy to remember.
Proverbs frequently use metaphorical language or other sorts of figures of speech. Including them helps provide a visual image for a simpler understanding and a better way to connect the dots of the meaning.
Proverbs encapsulate collective life experiences with the purpose of offering wisdom and advice. These experiences are typically generalized and can be applied to an array of situations similar in nature.
Originally, proverbs were already a significant part of oral tradition, and through the course of history, they have evolved to also become written sayings. This evolution has resulted in different varieties of wording and interpretation.
While every culture has its own specific proverbs, some may exist in different forms but represent universal human experiences that are understood cross-culturally. I.e., depending on the culture, the universal human experience may be conveyed differently.
Using proverbs in written or spoken language has become a crucial part of communication, as they assist in conveying authority, making a point briefly, providing advice, or expressing a point of view in a simple and memorable way.
Examples
Below, you can view some of the most commonly known proverbs in the English language with short explanations and examples.
Example 1
A picture is worth a thousand words.
This proverb emphasizes that a single visual representation can be more effective than substantial verbal or written explanations. In other words, complex ideas or principles can be encapsulated in just a single image and provide a better understanding than text or speech.
Example 2
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
This proverb conveys the advice that plans shouldn’t be made when they depend on a future event and the outcome is uncertain. In other words, being presumptuous or overconfident about certain situations that have not occurred yet, shouldn’t be the baseline for any plans that depend on the outcome.
Example 3
The early bird catches the worm.
This saying urges people to begin their endeavors as soon as possible and be prompt about seizing opportunities to have a higher success rate. It advises against procrastination and rather encourages proactiveness, as most doors of opportunities are free to enter without a queue when you are first at sight.
Proverb vs. proverbial phrase
When we speak of a proverbial phrase, also called a proverbial expression, we speak of a type of conventional saying that has a similar nature to proverbs and is also transferred from traditional speech. While proverbs are fixed expressions, proverbial phrases shape a genre of folklore, as they can be restructured, adjusted, and changed to fit the grammatical construct and meaning of the context.
Examples
The following examples will show you common proverbial phrases that are changed to fit into the overall grammatical structure of the context.
Proverb: A picture is worth a thousand words.
Proverbial phrase: She used a single, powerful image to demonstrate that sometimes a picture can be worth a thousand words.
Proverb: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
Proverbial phrase: He already planned to spend his bonus, but he should remember not to count his chickens before they’ve hatched, as the deal isn’t finalized.
Proverb: The early bird catches the worm.
Proverbial phrase: She is usually at the office at 6 am everyday, living by the principle that the early bird catches the worm.
List of proverbs
In the following, you will find a list of commonly and well-known proverbs.
Origins and sources
Proverbs have diverse origins and sources, ranging from ancient literature to poetry. The following delves into some of the most influential sources.
Religious script and ancient literature
Many proverbs that are pivotal parts of culture stem from ancient and religious texts in sacred books, offering a window into the ethics, philosophies, and values from which they emerged. Typically, passed down through many generations, they have become vital parts of the moral fabric of societies. Some of the most prominent sources are the Bible, ancient Greek literature, Eastern texts, and Islamic texts.
The Bible
Sacred books such as, e.g., the Bible have a section of proverbs called “The Book of Proverbs,” which embodies a primary source of proverbial wisdom in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Additionally, many English proverbs are derived from the meanings of these biblical sayings.
Example 1
Proverb 15:1:
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Alternative English proverb:
“Honey catches more flies than vinegar.”
This saying suggests that a calm and measured response in handling conflict may be more effective in defusing their anger and achieving a positive outcome, rather than an aggressive and harsh response, which may escalate the conflict further.
Example 2
Proverb 27:17:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Alternative English proverb:
“Two heads are better than one.”
This proverb encourages teamwork and collaboration, emphasizing that mutual support and uplifting each other may have a positive impact on personal improvement and growth.
Example 3
Proverb 16:18:
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
Alternative English proverb:
“The higher you climb, the harder you fall.”
This saying conveys the message that excessive overconfidence or arrogance typically results in a much more profound failure or downfall. They are reminders that pride or arrogance may cloud one’s rational judgment and become dangerous.
Ancient Greek literature
Another outstanding contribution to proverbs was ancient Greek poets and philosophers. “The Gnomologium,” a collection of proverbs and aphorisms based on Greek sages, is one of the most well-known compilations. These types of proverbs often reflect the timelessness and wise depth of Greek philosophy and continue to impact contemporary thinking and wisdom.
Example 1
Greek: “Πάντα ρεῖ” (Panta rhei)
English: “Everything flows.”
This proverb can be attributed to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus and suggests that the world around us is ever-changing. It highlights the concept of impermanence and that nothing stays the same.
Example 2
Greek: “Γνῶθι σεαυτόν”(Gnōthi seauton)
English: “Know thyself.”
This well-known proverb is inscribed at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and can be attributed to several Greek sages like Socrates. This saying underscores the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection as crucial criteria to gain wisdom and knowledge.
Example 3
Greek: “Οὐδὲν ἄγαν” (Ouden agan)
English: “Nothing in excess.” or “Moderation in all things.”
This proverb also originates from the Delphic maxims, conveying the wisdom that balance and moderation in all aspects of life contribute to a healthy lifestyle. On the contrary, anything at the extreme poses danger and a negative impact on life.
Ancient Eastern script
Eastern proverbial expressions can be depicted in e.g., Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. They are typically rich in proverbs and wisdom that have influenced philosophical thinking through time and to this day.
Example 1
Hinduism: “Satyam eva jayate”
English: “Truth alone triumphs.”
This influential proverb emphasizes the importance of honesty and truth-telling. It encapsulates that at last, the truth will always win over deception and falsehood. This saying promotes integrity, transparency, and honesty as integral to justice and success.
Example 2
Buddhism: “To understand everything is to forgive everything.”
This saying entails the wisdom that comprehending and understanding leads to compassion and forgiveness. It suggests that if we obtain a better understanding of a situation or an individual such as circumstances, perspectives, and motives, we will more likely let go of grievances and grudges.
Example 3
Taoism: “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”
Attributed to the philosopher Lao Tzu, founder of Taoism, this proverb embodies the Taoist philosophy of embracing change and letting go so one’s true potential naturally unfolds. It means that letting go of self-limiting and ego-driven ideas, helps becoming your authentic self.
Example 4
Confucianism: “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
This proverbial saying urges steady progress, determination, and perseverance in life. It highlights the importance of moving forward, no matter the pace. It aims to encourage people to remain committed to their aspirations and goals, regardless of their slow progress.
Islamic texts
The sayings of the Prophet Muhammad in sacred books like the Quran and Hadith in Islamic text also contain many proverbial expressions that have contributed to the development of general wisdom and contemporary proverbs. They primarily offer practical and moral guidance for Muslims.
Example 1
Quran 94:6:
Arabic: “فَإِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًۭا” (Inna ma’al usri yusra).
English: “Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”
This saying can be attributed to Surah Al-Inshirah and offers solace during challenging or difficult times. It embodies a fundamental aspect of the Islamic faith, conveying the idea that when life is testing you, better times are ahead and you can expect ease and relief eventually.
Example 2
Arabic: “إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ” (Innama al-a’malu binniyat).
English: “Actions are but by intention.”
Attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, this proverb is also known as the “Hadith of Intentions” and underscores the importance of motives or intentions behind actions or deeds. It encapsulates that the value and worth of one’s action are measured by one’s purity and sincerity of intent. I.e., A good act is only valuable with virtuous and genuine intentions.
Example 3
Arabic: “ابتغِ العلم من المهد إلى اللحد” (Ibtaqil ‘ilm min al-mahdi ila al-lahd.)
English: “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.”
In Islamic belief, gaining knowledge is not only personal growth but also societal advancement. In essence, this proverb encourages individuals to proactively seek opportunities for self-improvement and learning as early as possible in life and until the end. It portrays the importance of intellectual growth and education in Islam.
Types of proverbs
There is a wide range of categories and types of proverbs, which are tailored to the specific purpose they serve and what aspect of wisdom they convey. Here is a list of some of the most common types of proverbs with explanations and examples.
This type of proverbial expression describes a general observation or truth of many life situations. They are straight to the point and brief, but usually convey a more complex idea or concept.
Example
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
This saying indicates that if red flags or signs of a problem are perceived, it is highly likely that there is a bigger issue behind it.
Ethical proverbial expression encapsulates ethical or moral values, determining what is wrong and right behavior, complex ideas or concepts.
Example
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
This widely-known saying also called the Golden Rule, depicts a fundamental ethical principle that many cultures and religions stand by. The message is that you should treat others with the same kindness and respect as you would like to be treated yourself. It entails moral integrity, empathy, and consideration applied in social and personal contexts.
Humorous proverbs often contain sarcasm and wit to communicate a message. In some cases, remarks are added to already existing proverbs to create a humorous turnaround, oftentimes making the meaning ironic or contradictory.
Example
The early bird catches the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Here, a playful remark is added to the well-known saying “The early bird catches the worm,” which promotes that acting the quickest gives you a higher rate of success. However, the humorous twist contradicts it by making the point that being first may not always be best, as the first mouse in the mousetrap gets caught and the next one will get the cheese. Essentially, it is a sarcastic reminder that strategy and timing may be just as important as being first.
These types of proverbs offer advice and guidance for many life situations. The advice is typically based on collective human experiences and common sense, and aims to guide individuals on how to behave and act appropriately depending on the situation.
Example
Strike while the iron is hot.
This advisory proverb stresses the importance of seizing an opportunity when it is the right time. Metaphorically, it derives from blacksmithing, where iron is shaped best at the right temperature. The cooler it gets, the harder to shape it. In essence, this saying encourages taking advantage of a beneficial situation before the opportunity passes.
Similar to advisory proverbs, these types of proverbs also offer advice, however, with a more cautionary connotation to it. This type of saying commonly alerts or discourages certain behaviors by emphasizing the potential risks and dangers of the outcome.
Example
All the glitter is not gold.
This warning proverb expresses that nothing may be what it seems. E.g., when the surface looks attractive, it is important not to be deceived by appearance, as the core may not represent what the outside shows.
Similar to riddles, mystery proverbs often need some interpretation, as they frequently have a deeper meaning than what is apparent on the surface. In other words, they may have a hidden meaning, which requires thought to be completely understood.
Example
He who wants a rose must respect the thorn.
This saying carries a deeper meaning than stated. The rose represents a positive situation, person, or object, while the thorn portrays challenges, drawbacks, or difficulties. Basically, this proverb depicts that achieving something positive often lays obstacles in the way, but makes it even more worth at the end.
Spiritual proverbs convey insights or wisdom related to moral principles, religion, or spirituality. They usually reflect deeper aspects beyond human existence and are based on spiritual and religious tradition.
Example
As you sow, so shall you reap.
This proverb can be found in an array of religious and cultural scripts, suggesting that every act carries consequences. In other words, you will eventually face the result of your action.
These types of proverbs are two sayings that are contradictory in their meaning, conveying that wisdom may vary depending on the situation or context. In other words, what may be wise in some cases, may be bad in others.
Example
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. vs. Out of sight, out of mind.
In this case, the first proverbial expression suggests that distance or separation makes a bond between people stronger or strengthens love. However, “out of sight, out of mind” implies that it makes people forget. These are two wisdoms that are relevant in certain contexts and reflect the opposite of each other, which shows that not all proverbs can be applied to every situation even when similar in nature.
Meta proverbs are sayings about proverbs. They convey instructions on how to interpret proverbs based on their usage, truth, and nature. The purpose is to provide a better understanding of proverbs and how they are applied in cultural and communicational contexts.
Example
Proverbs are the daughters of daily experience.
This meta proverb highlights that proverbs are created based on collective human experience in everyday life. It metaphorically refers to them as the “daughters of daily experience,” indicating a direct and close connection between proverbs and common experience.
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FAQs
A proverb is a short and widely known saying that conveys a general truth, practical advice, or traditional wisdom based on collective human experience.
Here are three commonly known examples of proverbs:
- “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
- “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
- “Honesty is the best policy.”
Here is a short list of some of the most popular ones:
- It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- The early bird catches the worm.
- Don’t make a mountain out of an anthill (or molehill).
- Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
- Always put your best foot forward.
- The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
- A rolling stone gathers no moss.
In sacred books, proverbs are compilations of moral and wise sayings, forming a segment in an entire book.
These types of sayings have distinct characteristics:
- Brief and concise
- Cultural context
- Advising nature
- Figurative and metaphorical
- General truths and wisdom
- Origin and tradition
- Universal and versatile
Find an elaborate account of these characteristics in this article.
