Understanding Proverbs

Most often, proverbs are written in the form of couplets. These are constructed in three ways:

Type

Description

Key Word(s)

Examples

Contrasting

Meaning and application come from the differences or contrast between the two statements of the proverb.

"but"

10:3; 14:11, 18

Comparing

Meaning and application come from the similarities or comparison between the two statements of the proverb.

"as/so"
"better/than"
"like"

15:16, 17; 25:25

Complementing

Meaning and application come from the way the second statement complements the first.

"and"

11:16; 14:10, 17