CHAPTER I

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Value of Study of Proverbs -- Difficulty of exact Definition -- Definitions by various Writers -- The Saw -- The Adage -- The Essentials of a Proverb -- The Value of Brevity -- Legitimate Use of Hyperbole -- Proverbs often one-sided Views of Truth -- Sometimes contradict each other -- Figurativeness of Language -- A very characteristic Feature -- Parables of our Lord -- Proverbs often condensed Parables -- Examples of Word-Pictures -- Commonest Objects supply Lessons -- Interesting as referring to Usages that have passed away -- Some Proverbs enduring, some transient -- May have more than one Significance -- Some palpable Truisms and Platitudes -- Great Antiquity of Proverbs -- On Jewellery, Pottery, Furniture, etc. -- Rustic Conservatism -- The Aid of Alliteration -- Rhyme as an Aid to Memory 1