Aphorism

An aphorism is a terse saying embodying a general truth, or an astute observation, as “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” (Lord Acton). The Bible uses word play remarkably often, causing nightmares for those of us who try to translate it from the original language.

Here is one case in which we are told the origin of a saying.

• 1 Samuel 10:11-13 HCSB Everyone who knew him previously and saw him prophesy with the prophets asked each other, "What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" 12 Then a man who was from there asked, "And who is their father?" As a result, "Is Saul also among the prophets?" became a popular saying. 13 Then Saul finished prophesying and went to the high place.

In this aphorism, we are taught that deeds reveal a person.

• 1 Samuel 24:12-13 HCSB "May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you for me, but my hand will never be against you. 13 As the old proverb says, 'Wickedness comes from wicked people.' My hand will never be against you.

This same principle was described using fruit…

• Matthew 3:8-10 HCSB Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance. 9 And don't presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones! 10 Even now the ax is ready to strike the root of the trees! Therefore every tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
• Matthew 7:16-20 HCSB You'll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can't produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn't produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So you'll recognize them by their fruit.

…and fountains.

• James 3:9-13 HCSB With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things should not be this way. 11 Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water. 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom's gentleness.

Some aphorisms, like this one about lilies, are quite beautiful and poetic

• Song of Solomon 2:1-2 HCSB I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. 2 Like a lily among thorns, so is my darling among the young women.

Others, like this play on the word “freedom” can be terrifying.

• Jeremiah 34:17 HCSB "Therefore, this is what the LORD says: You have not obeyed Me by proclaiming freedom, each man for his brother and for his neighbor. I hereby proclaim freedom for you"--this is the LORD's declaration--"to the sword, to plague, and to famine! I will make you a horror to all the earth's kingdoms.