Proverbs classification chart

MJ. Smith

One annoyance I have with Logos is its tendency to choose a single option that stresses one particular aspect and present it without mention of the alternative. For example, I would like to see multiple ways of classifying the proverbs. Some of the options (from Perplexity):

Thematic Classification

Scholars often categorize proverbs based on their primary themes:

1. Wisdom and Folly
2. Righteousness and Wickedness
3. Diligence and Laziness
4. Speech and Silence
5. Wealth and Poverty
6. Family Relationships
7. Divine Providence

Structural Classification

Based on the literary structure of the proverbs:

1. Antithetical Proverbs: Contrasting two ideas
2. Synonymous Proverbs: Repeating an idea in different words
3. Synthetic Proverbs: Building on an initial statement
4. Numerical Proverbs: Using numbers to structure the saying

Functional Classification

Categorizing proverbs based on their intended purpose:

1. Instructional Proverbs
2. Observational Proverbs
3. Prohibitive Proverbs
4. Comparative Proverbs

Source-based Classification

Some scholars classify proverbs based on their presumed origin or collection:

1. Solomonic Proverbs
2. Hezekian Proverbs
3. Agur's Proverbs
4. Lemuel's Proverbs
5. Ben Sira's Proverbs (from Ecclesiasticus/Sirach)

Form-Critical Classification

Based on the literary form and structure:

1. Simple Statements
2. Extended Metaphors
3. Rhetorical Questions
4. Admonitions

Theological Classification

Categorizing proverbs based on their theological content:

1. Creation Proverbs
2. Covenant Proverbs
3. Eschatological Proverbs
4. Messianic Proverbs

Deuterocanonical Classifications

For proverbs in deuterocanonical books, additional classifications may include:

1. Hellenistic Proverbs: Showing Greek influence
2. Apocalyptic Proverbs: Relating to end times
3. Sapiential Proverbs: Focusing on practical wisdom

Jewish Classifications

Talmudic Classification
The Talmud categorizes proverbs (mishle) based on their origin and purpose:

1. Mashal shel Torah: Proverbs derived from Torah
2. Mashal shel Nevi'im: Proverbs from the Prophets
3. Mashal shel Ketuvim: Proverbs from the Writings
4. Mashal shel Hedyotot: Common or folk proverbs

Midrashic Classification
Midrashic literature often classifies proverbs based on their interpretive function:

1. Proverbs of Explanation
2. Proverbs of Illustration
3. Proverbs of Argumentation
4. Proverbs of Ethical Instruction

Historical Classifications

Medieval Jewish Classification
Medieval Jewish scholars like Saadia Gaon and Maimonides categorized proverbs:

1. Literal Proverbs
2. Allegorical Proverbs
3. Ethical Proverbs
4. Mystical Proverbs

Patristic Classification
Early Church Fathers, such as Origen and Jerome, classified proverbs:

1. Moral Proverbs
2. Natural Proverbs (about the natural world)
3. Theological Proverbs
4. Christological Proverbs

Modern Scholarly Approaches

Rhetorical Classification
Based on the rhetorical devices used:

1. Metaphorical Proverbs
2. Metonymic Proverbs
3. Synecdochic Proverbs
4. Ironic Proverbs

Socio-Cultural Classification
Categorizing proverbs based on their social and cultural context:

1. Royal Court Proverbs
2. Agrarian Proverbs
3. Urban Proverbs
4. Cultic Proverbs

Linguistic-Semantic Classification
Focusing on the semantic structure of proverbs:

1. Binary Proverbs (two-part structure)
2. Ternary Proverbs (three-part structure)
3. Quaternary Proverbs (four-part structure)
4. Complex Proverbs (multi-layered structure)

Cognitive Approach
Some scholars use cognitive linguistics to classify proverbs:

1. Image-Schema Proverbs
2. Conceptual Metaphor Proverbs
3. Blending Theory Proverbs

Intertextual Classification
Based on the proverbs' relationships with other texts:

1. Intratextual Proverbs (referencing other biblical texts)
2. Extratextual Proverbs (referencing non-biblical sources)
3. Hypertextual Proverbs (building on earlier proverbs)