Proverbs come from the Latin word proverbium. It is a phrase that has a lot of meaning metaphorically. So if you want to tell somebody do not sit idle else it may work against you, you can say, empty mind is a devils workshop which means if you sit idle you will end up thinking and doing evil things.

If a proverb is distinct from others with good phrasing it can be termed as an aphorism. When a proverb is used to describe a rule of conduct, it can be termed as a maxim. Proverbs were generally derived from different cultures and human experience that came from seniors in the society who knew how a situation and how should it be dealt with.

The books of Proverbs from the Bible and Latin language from the medieval times have played a significant role in spreading proverbs. A few proverbs are mentioned below so you have a thorough understanding of these powerful sentences.

A friend in need is a friend indeed.

This famous Shakespeares proverb used in his plays meant if a friend helps you out in your time of difficulty then he or she is truly a good friend.

A burnt child dreads fire
When a person comes across an accident it changes the persons attitude, fears, likes and dislikes for life.

First come, first served

This is a very common proverb. Used by retail outlets, as and when offers are given out. Sometimes even at ones home it may be experienced, as the person who comes in first may get served with a dish and the person coming in later may miss it as it is over.

As you sow, so shall you reap

This proverb is taught to us in schools where we are taught to think right and reap its benefits. A similar proverb is what goes around, comes around.

Some more include:
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Between the devil and the deep sea
Birds of a feather flock together
A rolling stone gathers no moss
Every cloud has a silver lining
Fire is a good servant but a bad master
All that glitters is not gold.

Just to summarise proverbs are nothing but short sayings or short stories which we have learnt in our child hood days just as the nursery rhymes http://www.nurseryrhymes.co.in/