What is a Proverb
A condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
A proverb (from the Latin proverbium) is a pithy saying which had gained credence through widespread or frequent use. Most proverbs express some basic truth or practical precept. A proverb which describes a basic rule of conduct may also be known as a "maxim". If a proverb is distinguished by particularly good style it may be known as an aphorism.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proverb
A short saying or statement in frequent and widespread use that expresses a basic truth or practical precept.
www.apsu.edu/wet/whatis.html