A Proverb (from Latin: proverbium) is a simple and concrete saying, popularly known and repeated, that expresses a truth based on common sense or the practical experience of humanity.

We need to redefine this term “proverb” and its’ implications: At face value it’s awful. It sounds like something you should learn in English class...A part of speech...That tells us next to nothing!

A concrete saying...This brings to mind a picture of concrete- very hard and solid...Why is it hard and solid and who is it that is doing the saying??? It is known among many and is repeated...It does nothing to tell us why? I find that this definition raises more questions than answers.

Let us reexamine this and fill in some of the blanks. e.g.  “A stitch in time saves nine”
Obviously this saying has its’ roots in sewing or stitchery. Most applicable to socks and the holes they develop over time.

 And one can pretty much imagine how the saying came about. But the most important thing is how it archived its’ “concrete status” ...And that it not only applies to socks, but to millions of other things. In truth the “saying” represents a discipline. An applicable life long discipline at best. It states that small problems should not be ignore lest they become too big to handle. You are the one to draw the line as to when you should act. Wait a moment too long and now you are thrown out of balance. So in essence it is a saying that helps you maintain life balance and THAT my friend is so very important.