Wisdom in Proverbs

Wisdom in Proverbs

Proverbs commonly have a number of attributes that may make it easier to resolve questions about their inclusion.

1.      Age. Usually proverbs are centuries old, though precise wording may have changed, even involving appearance in multiple old languages.

2.      Brevity. Proverbs can be as short as two words (time flies). In addition, the full forms of popular longer proverbs are often replaced by elliptical allusions.

3.      Poetry. Proverbs use prosodic devices that enhance their memorability, especially rhyme, alliteration, parallelism, as ellipsis.

4.      Rhetorical devices. Proverbs often use simple rhetorical devices, metaphor, hyperbole, paradox, and personification.

5.      Structure. Proverbs often form clusters that share a common structure. (eg, one X doesn't make a Y, No X without Y)

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