Proverb

A proverb (Hebrew mashal, from a root meaning "to be like" or "to rule") encompasses a wide range of literary forms: the short pithy saying (1 Sam. 10:12; 24:13), the extended allegory or parable (Ezek. 17:2–10), the taunt-song (Isa. 14:4), the numerical saying (Prov. 6:16), and the extended poem (Prov. 31:10–31). The collection of proverbial literature in the Book of Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition of Israel alongside similar traditions in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Jesus spoke frequently in proverbs and parables. The Greek paroimia (translated "proverb" in John 16:25, 29) denotes a figurative or veiled saying, as opposed to plain speech — the mode in which Jesus promised to speak plainly of the Father.