Figurative Language

Proverbs

In Lesson 42 you will:

1. Understand what is a ‘proverb’.2. Interpret ‘proverbs’.

What is a proverb?

Proverbs are a short popular saying of sometimes unknown authorship, expressing some general truth, example: Haste makes waste.

What do you think this means?

Figurative Language

What is a proverb?

Haste makes waste.When we hurry we usually end upwasting our time and we have to redo correctly what we tried to do quickly. This happens to everyone!It is a general experience. Has this ever happened to you?

Figurative Language

Where do you find proverbs?Proverbs, like other forms of figurative language, are everywhere. People use them in conversation, too. You will find them in TV advertisements, movies, and in a variety of genres in literature. A proverb sounds like a philosophy because it expresses a truth from observations on human behavior. We will explore several together.

Proverbs are found in most cultures, and are often very ancient. The Hebrew scriptures include a book of proverbs. This is the Old Testament part of the Bible. Many poets and novels put proverbs into their writing, too!

Proverbs

Examples:‘Mustn't cry over spilt milk’Meaning: When you have an accident, you need to just fix the damage done instead of whining about it. You move on.

Proverbs

Like idioms, you cannot figure out the meaning of a proverb literally, word by word. You have to think behind the words for the deeper meaning.

Example:You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.Meaning:If you want results you need to be sweet, not sour. This addresses attitudes. Positive attitudes see more desirable results!

Proverbs

More examples you may encounter in your reading or conversations:1.A Friend in need is a friend indeed- A real friend is one who can be counted on in difficult times. 2.The early bird catches the worm-Those who get things done sooner reap the rewards.

Proverbs

5. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. You can count on what you already have. It is more practical than wishing for more.6. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. You can guide someone and give advice but you can’t make them use it or do what you advise.

Proverbs

7. Birds of a feather flock together- People with common interests and ways tend to stick together in groups.

8. When a cat is away, the mice will play-When the person in charge is gone, people don’t do their work. They get into trouble.

Proverbs

What do they mean?What is the purpose of a proverb? What kinds of messages or lessons do the proverbs teach?

Proverbs in the Bible

Let’s look at a couple and analyzewhat they could mean….

What does this mean?1.Just as water mirrors your face,

so your face mirrors your heart.

(Proverbs 27: 19)

Proverbs in the Bible

Just as you can see your reflection on the surface of water, so people can often tell by your face how youare feeling. (the heart)

What does this mean?2. A miser in a hurry to get rich

doesn’t know that he’ll end up broke. (Proverbs 28:22)

Proverbs in the Bible

Greediness and stinginess will rob the person who thinks this way will make him or her rich.

What does this mean?3. Pride lands you flat on your face;

humility prepares you for honor. (Proverbs 29:23)

Proverbs in the Bible

Pride will bring you down. Humility will bring you up. Pride is thinking too highly of yourself. Humility respects others as valuable.

What does this mean?5. If you fall to pieces in a crisis,

there wasn’t much to you in the

first place. (Proverbs 24: 10)

Proverbs in the Bible

You can know how strong a person really is by the way they respond in a difficult time.

How proverbs are written:

Alliteration (Forgive and forget)Parallelism (Nothing ventured, nothing gained)Rhyme (When the cat is away, the mice will play)Ellipsis (Once bitten, twice shy)

Proverbs

Hyperbole: exaggeration to make a point, (All is fair in love and war)Paradox: opposites, (For there to be peace there must first be war)Personification: used often in proverbs, (Hunger is the best cook)

Proverbs

Proverbs

In your journal practice writing some proverbs following one or more of these styles. Have fun!

Try creating a few of your own!

Proverbs

1. GET TO KNOW NEW FRIENDS, BUT DON’T GIVE UP THE OLD ONES.

(Bulgaria)

In your journal write the following proverbs from different countries around the world. Write what you think they mean.

Proverbs

2. A MAN WHO HAS COMMITTED A MISTAKE AND DOESN’T CORRECT IT IS COMMITTING ANOTHER MISTAKE. (China)

In your journal write the following proverb and write what you think itmeans.

Proverbs

3. A HANDFUL OF FRIENDS IS BETTER THAN A WAGON FULL OF GOLD. (Czech Republic)

In your journal write the following proverb and write what you think itmeans.

Proverbs

4. NICE WORDS ARE FREE, SO CHOOSE ONES TO PLEASE ANOTHER’S EARS.(Vietnam)

In your journal write the following proverb and write what you think itmeans.

Proverbs

In your journal write the following proverb and write what you think itmeans.

5. SILENCE IS BETTER THAN SPEECH. (Cambodia)

Write a response in your journal:

***What do proverbs show about what people believe and value (e.g., friendship, hard work)?

Proverbs

Reading is Thinking Practice

Read the following passage: Proverbs 1:1-33, The Message

Respond in your journal on the following:

1.What is the main idea of this chapter? (Make sure you support your opinion by using the text.)

2. What connections did you make with this chapter? What questions do you have?

(Think about the proverbs that speak to you that you can relate to.) Share your connections and questions in the Discussion Forum with others taking this course!

Here are some questions I want you to reflect on in your journal:

A.What do you think it means to “Start with God”? (Proverbs 1:7) Explain.

B.Record examples of figurative language you find as you read this chapter. Record them in your journal. What type of figurative language is it?

Writing

Good-Bye, until next time!

We will be talking about inference skills in our next lesson. Practice writing by writing in your journal. Just remember to write a new date and title for new entries or topics! Keep up your reading! Use the CROPQV to show reading is thinking!