Figures of Speech in the Bible

Proverbial Saying in the Bible

A proverb is a compact saying that expresses a general truth, warning, observation, or moral principle.

Simple definition

A proverb is a compact saying that expresses a general truth, warning, observation, or moral principle.

Technical nameGnome / Sententia / Proverb
Alternate namesMaxim; aphorism; proverb
Reader categoryWisdom / Compressed Saying
Bullinger classFigures involving change / sententious expression
Source hintWisdom-speech expansion layer; includes biblical proverbs and quoted proverbial sayings.
Examples on page10

Technical definition

A proverbial saying compresses wisdom into memorable form; it must be interpreted according to genre, context, and whether it states a general pattern, a moral certainty, or an observed reality.

Publication note: Examples are curated from the final Wave 46 source state. Some examples carry review notes where final Bible-text stream verification may still be prudent before public release.

Scripture examples

These examples show how Proverbial Saying functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.

Prov. 16:18
certain

pride goes before destruction

The saying compresses a moral pattern about pride and downfall.

Source: Scripture explicit — Wave 8 Proverbial Saying section
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger/source extraction before live publication.
Prov. 26:11
certain

dog returns to its vomit

The proverb uses vivid imagery to describe a fool returning to folly.

Source: Scripture explicit — Wave 8 Proverbial Saying section
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger/source extraction before live publication.
Matt. 13:57
certain

prophet not without honor

Jesus quotes a proverbial pattern about rejection in one’s own place.

Source: Scripture explicit — Wave 8 Proverbial Saying section
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger/source extraction before live publication.
Luke 4:23
certain

physician, heal yourself

Jesus names a proverb that expresses a demand for local proof.

Source: Scripture explicit — Wave 8 Proverbial Saying section
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger/source extraction before live publication.
Acts 26:14
certain

kick against the goads

The proverbial image warns against futile resistance to divine correction.

Source: Scripture explicit — Wave 8 Proverbial Saying section
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger/source extraction before live publication.
1 Cor. 15:33
certain

bad company ruins good morals

Paul uses a proverbial saying to warn against corrupting influence.

Source: Own analysis — Wave 8 Proverbial Saying section
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger/source extraction before live publication.
Gal. 6:7
certain

whatever one sows, that will he also reap

The agricultural proverb expresses moral consequence under God.

Source: Own analysis — Wave 8 Proverbial Saying section
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger/source extraction before live publication.
2 Pet. 2:22
certain

dog returns... sow washed

Peter cites proverbial images to describe apostasy and moral relapse.

Source: Scripture explicit — Wave 8 Proverbial Saying section
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger/source extraction before live publication.
Matt. 6:21
certain

where your treasure is

The saying compresses a moral-spiritual principle about desire and loyalty.

Source: Own analysis — Wave 8 Proverbial Saying section
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger/source extraction before live publication.
Luke 6:45
certain

out of the abundance of the heart

The saying states a general truth about speech revealing the heart.

Source: Own analysis — Wave 8 Proverbial Saying section
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger/source extraction before live publication.

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