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A proverb, derived from the Latin proverbium, is a straightforward, traditional statement conveying a perceived truth based on common sense or experience. These expressions are often metaphorical and use formulaic language. Proverbial phrases or expressions are akin to proverbs and are transmitted through oral tradition. The distinction lies in the fixed nature of a proverb, while a proverbial phrase allows alterations to suit the grammatical context. Together, they constitute a genre of folklore. Certain proverbs transcend language barriers, existing in multiple languages as people borrow them from cultures they encounter. In the Western world, the Bible, including the Book of Proverbs, and medieval Latin, influenced by figures like Erasmus, significantly contributed to the dissemination of proverbs. While not all Biblical proverbs gained equal distribution, various cultures, each with its unique proverbs, contribute to this rich tapestry of wisdom.