MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE OF UKRAINE

DRAGOMANOV NATIONAL PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF FOREIGN PHILOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH PHILOLOGY

Course paper:

Reflection of the biblical picture of the world

in English proverbs and sayings

Performed by

Boiko Olga

401 ann group

Scientific supervisor:

Associate Professor

Tretiak L.I

Kyiv – 2023
 CONTENT
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................2
Section 1. Proverbs and sayings as a genre of oral folk art.....................................5
1.1 The Role of proverbs and sayings.....................................................................5
1.2 Proverbs and sayings in the English language as the reflection of national
character...................................................................................................................8
Section 2. The biblical picture of the world and how language represents it......12
2.1 The Bible as the sources of wisdom................................................................12
2.2 Basic biblical motifs and images.....................................................................15
2.3 The biblical picture of the world in English proverbs and sayings.............18
Conclusions................................................................................................................21
References..................................................................................................................22

2
 INTRODUCTION

Proverbs and sayings are the most important things in the language as the genre
of oral folk art. They are the components that give us the description of the world,
and exchange knowledge through centuries, influence our behavior and dilute our
language by giving emotionality. The proverbs and sayings are more often studied as
the component of phraseological units of language in the comparison of the religious
texts.
Through the proverbs and sayings in English we are able to better understand
cultural features, elements of the mentality of Great Britain. To rightfully translate
the proverb there has to be some knowledge about its nation`s history, geographic
location, religion.
As the religious nation Great Britain uses in their communication and
conveying messages about half of the motifs, images from the Bible. The Bible is the
Word of God.The wisdom and spirit of the people, described in the Bible, are
manifested in their proverbs and sayings, and their experience contributes not only to
a deeper knowledge of the language and literature, but also to an understanding of the
mindset and character of the people.
The most popular motives are about greed, desire, origin of the world and birth
of the savior. This book was made to share its wisdom to the masses, by conveying
what is good and what is evil. Those who are ready to study the Bible will be able to
open up to the whole new world of miracles, beliefs, deeds. However, the reflection
of the biblical picture of the world in English proverbs and sayings can still be
studied further.
The object of the study is represented by the proverbs and sayings in the
English-speaking community.

The subject of the research is represented by the biblical picture of the world.

The purpose of the study is to define the reflection of the biblical picture of
the world depicted in sayings and proverbs of England.

In order to achieve the goal, the following tasks are solved in the work:
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 - To determine the role of proverbs and sayings
- To find out how proverbs and sayings convey national specificity
- To determine the Bible as a source of wisdom
- To identify the most important motifs and pictures of the Bible
- To analyze the proverbs and sayings of England for the availability of
biblical picture of the world

The data sources of the research are the Bible, including the dictionary of
biblical imagery by Robber Frying, and encyclopedia of the biblical world «All
things in the Bible» by Nancy M. Tischler.

To solve the tasks set in the study, a set of interrelated theoretical and empirical
research methods was used: the method of analysis, analysis of the scientific
literature, descriptive analysis, comparative method, generalization

The scientific novelty of the work is a detailed analysis of the reflection of the
biblical picture of the world in English sayings and proverbs and systemizing the
information.

The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using its
conclusions in teaching theology, history and the history of the English language and
literature.

The structure and scope of the paper are determined by the purpose and
objectives of the work. The course paper consists of an introduction, 2 sections,
general conclusions, a list of references and an addition.

The Introduction outlines the urgency of the work, its purpose, and objectives,
scientific novelty, practical significance, object, subject, methods, and materials of
research.

The first section called «Proverbs and sayings as a genre of oral folk art» its
devoted to the theoretical foundations of the studying of proverbs and sayings,
provides a critical review of the results of previous work on this specific topic, and
defines the concepts of national character reflection in language and literature.
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 The second section is called «Biblical picture of the world and how language
represents it. It clarifies what is the main motives, images of the Bible, what is the
role of the biblical texts and how are they interconnected with the culture of England,
namely with its proverbs and sayings.

The general conclusions summarize the results of the study.

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 Section 1. Proverbs and sayings as a genre of oral folk art
1.1 The Role of proverbs and sayings
Proverbs and sayings are one of the most interesting types of folklore. Many
prominent linguists conducted entire scientific dissertations and conferences on the
study of these expressions.  For example, Z.Kotsyuba in his study "Linguistic aspects
of the study of proverbs and sayings" interprets proverbs and sayings as a special
group of linguistic units of the communicative type within the phraseological level
[3]. M.F. Alefirenko defines the main theoretical questions of phraseology, [1] O.I.
Nakonechna considers this aspect of speech as a modality in proverbs and sayings...
[4] S.V. Shepitko studied proverbs as an object of research in English linguistics.  [5]
All these studies emphasized such qualities of proverbs as connection with the
people, brаvity, universality, clarity, imagery, wit, and completeness of thought.
And as Shepitko S.V classified proverbs and sayings as commonly used and
historically significant concepts. They are the object of study in such branches of
various sciences as theology, linguistics, folkloristics, which consider various aspects
of their essence. [5]
This field of science can be continued to be studied further, because there is
still a large amount of information that needs to be processed and compared. Despite
the fact that proverbs and sayings are not popular in the language recently, they are
worth studying.
In modern linguistics, the definitions of the concepts "proverb" and "sayings"
differ. Researchers find this difference in the status and independence of expressions.
Proverbs are related to word combinations due to the unity of meaning, stability,
indivisibility, functional proximity to words, repetition.[7] Studying sayings and
proverbs, we came to the conclusion that different countries of the world have similar
expressions, but the way they are depicted is different.  If there is an expression
"When pigs fly" in the English language, the Ukrainian equivalent would be "When
the crayfish whistles on the mountain". Also, it could be considered that fixed
expressions acquire a specific meaning in different countries of the world to describe
the built world and lifestyle on Earth.

6
 The main feature of proverbs and sayings are ways of expressing judgments,
because they can be both literal and metaphorical in meaning.  If we use them both in
oral and written speech, it will become more alive, colorful and interesting. [9]
But it must be remembered that sayings usually have an incomplete thought and can
be part of a proverb, because they are characterized by a finished statement.
The role of sayings and proverbs can be attributed to the way they depict
things. They usually consist of people's evaluative opinion on different spectrums of
reality, rather than personal opinion.Thus, the anonymity of proverbs and sayings is
realized, which separates them from other types of expressions, such as catchphrases
and aphorisms.[ 2]
Proverbs and sayings make up a significant part of the literature and language
of every country in the world. They usually reflect the experience of the people, filled
with historical anecdotes, their beliefs, culture and stereotypes that cannot be found
anywhere else.[8] By using proverbs and sayings in our language, we not only give it
unique expressiveness, but also unusual originality.  Thus, we can say that they
decorate our speech style, indicating our country of origin. [23]
An interesting feature of each proverb and saying is that they contain a
historical meaning.  If the country spent most of its time at war, then the place of
action, the way of fighting, the attitude of ordinary residents to the situation, and
reality can be preserved in the broadcast. That way, by learning this specific
information, people would be instructed and be able to reflect on everyday
occurrences. [15]
The main difficulty of proverbs and sayings is to use them properly in the
appropriate context.  We need to know the intended use of them, so that the
communication process would be easier, faster.  If the addressee wants to completely
understand the meaning of your message, he has to know the purpose of using them
in communication, its background. Based on the different works and studies we can
state that there are several functions of English proverbs, which are responsible for
conveying praise, advice, warning, enthusiasm, and moral formation.

7
 In order to convey praise or approval of the result of an action, we can also use
a proverb. Usually, for this situation, some animals can be mentioned in the
expressions in order to compare their way of life, external characteristics with your
successes.
Warnings and advice in proverbs have a common effect, which is to give a
message to be heeded, which is to be confident, cautious, decisive.  Thus, a person
must formulate his own vision of the world about what is fair and what is not, what
he should do for self-development and the realization of his plans. [23]
The main role of the proverbs and sayings is:
- giving the description of the world and finding meaning in small things.
- to illuminate and buttress the wisdom of natural law
- to achieve a desired semantic force, dilute our language, add emotionality and
expressiveness to it
- to transfer the accumulated knowledge to the next generation
- to influence their behavior, lifestyle, raise a righteous person with clear principles
and beliefs
- to acquaint with entire previous cultures, their experiences
- to strengthen the tradition of a society

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1.2 Proverbs and sayings in the English language as the reflection of national
character
Considering proverbs and sayings as an example of folk wisdom, we can say
that a significant part of the expressions are made up of the country's national and
cultural features, elements of worldview and its mentality. Complementing this
statement, I would like to refer to the opinion of the famous linguist V. von
Humboldt, who notes that mentality is "a character of a people that is reflected not
only in language, but also in literature, religion and other spiritual aspects."[9] Thus,
we can say that not only the main features of the nation can be attributed to national
character, but also trace the connection with the political situation, history, features of
the climate, geographical location. And every nation has its own special way of life
and traditions unique to it. By studying different sayings and proverbs, we can only
establish a connection with other cultures and compare them. The changes that will
be indicated will reflect the difficult path of the nation, its development, and will also
contribute to a better understanding of aspects of life and behavior of the speakers of
the language.
Language is what unites nations, because it is a means of communication,
mutual connection between people. Most of the proverbs and sayings have a folk
origin and are also filled with peculiar vocabulary, so the authors of many articles and
books need to contact native speakers or come to the country to witness the sources
and meaning themselves.[6] Collections of proverbs and sayings are usually used in
order to delve into thinking about the world, life, but can be used for self-education,
improving linguistic and cultural knowledge, as well as expressing the author's point
of view on this or that statement.
As Dr.Karagiorgos states: «Proverbs contain keen observations of everyday
life, constitute popular philosophy of life, and provide an insight into human behavior
and character. They survived thanks to their brevity, their rhyme and rhythm which
delighted the ear and helped the memory» [13]
Therefore, various images, phenomena, animals depicted in the sayings of
different peoples have common characteristics and themes, but are identified in

9
different ways. In order to translate them and preserve the uniqueness of the national
color, it is necessary to polish them in the manner of the native language. We agree
with the opinion of T. Finlay, we want to note that proverbs and sayings cannot be
considered outside the cultural context in which they are pronounced and exist.[10] If
you remove them from the narrative thought, they can have a completely parallel
meaning to what was considered. Nevertheless, the same proverb can be used by the
author of the statement for several purposes, but the most important thing is not only
to be perceived for the intuitive knowledge of the saying, the cultural allusion it
creates, but also for the content.[20]
In order to understand the subtext of an English proverb, one must know the
national characteristics of its speakers. For example, the English are very often
characterized as reserved, conservative, tolerant people. They like to talk about topics
related to their home, garden, pets and the tea ceremony.[12] These themes are often
described in sayings, so the knowledge of the typical character of an Englishman can
help us understand the subtext of the proverb, its meaning. For example, the
determination of Englishman can be traced in these expressions:
"Walk the walk and talk the talk."
"Use it or lose it. [18]
Also, draw attention to their cultural features can:
"If you are hot, tea will cool you off, and if you are cold, it will warm you up."
"An Englishman's house is his castle."
"Love your neighbor, yet do not pull down your fence. “[18]
England is also a self-critical nation that ridicules their slowness, omniscience,
arrogance, selfishness, slowness in their literature and not only that.  A vivid example
can be:
"To know everything is to know nothing" [18]
This expression is very similar to the style of writing aphorisms of such
prominent English writers as Bernard Shaw and William Shakespeare. The main
aspect of their work was the depiction of the paradoxes of society, relations between

10
people, the English attitude to politics, education, which are depicted here through the
antonyms of the words "everything" and "nothing".
And in the spirit of paradoxes, we suggest turning to another sign of their
nationality, specifically upbringing and following the rules, which are evidenced by
the following expressions:
"Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise."
"The early bird catches the worm."[18]
This aspect of their life can also have a comical appearance in proverbs and
sayings, because they do everything according to the schedule as well as people
believe, drink tea.
If we turn to the politics and history of such a nation as Great Britain, the main
ideological commitment of the British is conservatism. [8] Thus, they honor the
ancient traditions, the way of life, while at the same time supporting the long-
established system of government in the country - the monarchy. Their immutability
is evidenced by the given expressions related to the dog, because it is also devoted to
its beliefs and ideals:
"An old dog will learn no new tricks."
"You cannot teach old dogs new tricks."
"An old dog barks not in vain."[18]
Concluding the description of the national character of the country, we would
like to pay attention to the peculiarity of the country's geographical location. Due to
such an unusual area, which is filled with oceans, rivers, it can be said that they got
used to the difficulties of the location and learned to love them.[25]
«He that loves the tree, loves the branch.» [18]
When Old England and New England are compared, the massive groves of
forest, especially oak, which is the national mark of the royal family, will always be
mentioned. It is even believed that the forest is the heart of England. This and other
variants of the symbolism of this image are depicted by G.D. Lawrence in his novel
"Lady Chatterley's Lover".[14] For example, forest can appear a symbol of eternal
values, something that should be preserved, valued, passed on to the next generation;

11
shelter, protection; patience, eternal waiting, silence, seclusion; place of annual
meeting.The reference to the forest in the texts can also be a reminder of such a
metaphorical meaning as renewal,strength, because a whole thicket can grow from
one tree.The forest is a place that a person cannot completely cover, possess, it has its
own laws. As we can see, one word can represent many meanings that can create a
completely different picture.
The forest is wandering, because England is very often foggy. And the
combination of trees and thick fog can create a maze from which there is no escape.
Nowadays, it is impossible to think of Great Britain, to make a chain of association,
without its magnificent parks, constant rains, mists and sudden sun. An interesting
way of using these images is present in this case:
"It never rains but it pours"
"Rain before seven, clear by eleven" [18]
Proverbs and sayings in the English language can be described in different
ways, but the fact that their mentality is transmitted and will continue to be
transferred with the help of such small but correct phrases will definitely remain
unchanged. After reading just one sentence, we can understand what the life of the
entire nation was like and what folk wisdom, message or instruction it encoded as
permanent images for future generations.
Therefore, we would like to note that proverbs and sayings cover the most vital
aspects, that is why we are able to make our own conclusion not only about language
and literature, but other spheres of the nation and its specific character.

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Section 2. The biblical picture of the world and how language represents it
2.1 The Bible as the sources of wisdom
The Bible is the Word of God. It helps the believers of Jesus find answers to
their issues and aid one work through the challenges they face.Christians today have
a unique perspective of the world because of Scripture. It allows one to see God’s
ultimate plan throughout the sixty six books in the Bible. God speaks through
Scripture in which He reveals His plans both big and small. The small stories, just as
the main themes in the Bible fit directly into the ultimate plan that God has for
Hiscreation. Graeme Goldsworthy notes biblical theology is a means of looking at
one particular event in relation to the total picture. It allows one to see how each story
relates and fulfills the plan of God on its own terms.[11]
The Old Testament describes the life of the first people, the history of the reign
of kings and the predictions of the prophets. The first 5 books were written by Moses.
He is called a sage, you can learn about various stories of the liberation of the Israeli
people from slavery, and the Pentateuch developed by him is the Torah. The next 12
books are considered historical because they generally describe the lives of prominent
people. And finally, the last 17 books in the Old Testament are considered prophetic,
which are divided into two types - the Book of the Major Prophets and the Book of
the Minor Prophets. Basically, these stories are about the coming of the One who will
save the world from the devil, darkness and become the King of Kings. [12]
The New Testament was formed by instilling in the ideology of Christianity.
The wines are composed of several Gospels, in which there are stories about the
immaculate conception, the coming of the Savior - Jesus Christ, who sacrifices
himself to atone for our sins. In other books (Deaths and Epistles of the Apostles,
Epistles of Ivan the Theologian - Apocalypse) describe the heavenly life of Christ,
the expansion of Christianity, the darkness of faith, the Last Judgment and the end of
the world. [12]
The wisdom and spirit of the people, described in the Bible, are manifested in
their proverbs and sayings, and their experience contributes not only to a deeper
knowledge of the language, but also to an understanding of the mindset and character

13
of the people. As we previously mentioned, understanding of the national character is
one of the main components to the way of proverbs and saying rightful usage. We
need to try our best to learn a lot of information about the described theme of sacred
sayings such as town, desert, garden and be curious about its history, further
appearance... We had to have knowledge or other ways of speaking, wisdom. While
the word wisdom strikes moderns as an abstraction, there is evidence that it was a
living and palpable reality for the ancient imagination. Biblical wisdom is definable
as skill for living, but by the time biblical wisemen have transformed it into images, it
is more concrete than conceptual.
The wise person is one who takes God into account. He realizes his own
limitations and his need for divine guidance. He listens to and applies what God has
revealed to his own life. The foolish person believes he does not need God's help. He
closes his ears and his mind to God's revelation. He goes his own way. The wise
person becomes a success eventually, while the fool suffers destruction—if not in this
life, in the next. [19]
The Bible is the Book of Life with instructions, teachings about how to live
righteously and what not to do.Therefore, it is fair to assume that the stories of the
Bible are the inspiration for the creation of proverbs and sayings.  As we concluded,
it is also used for sharing experience with the descendants. This book, which is a
compilation of ideas and facts from hundreds of sources, is designed as a reference
tool for the lay reader of Scripture.
As Henry Liddon says in «Some Elements of Religion»: «Not to be interested
in the life of Jesus Christ is to be, I do not say irreligious, but unintelligent.» [16]
Almost everyone in the world has at least once heard about the great deeds of Jesus
Christ: his return to life, healing of the blind and paralyzed, turning water into wine,
casting out demons, walking on water, calming the storm. Not everyone reads the
Bible, although it belongs to the education process of the young generation in school.
This is an omission on the part of the ignorant. After all, the Word of God can give a
message for every day on how you should spend it in order to get the most out of it.
There are a variety of church branches that differ in how the Word should be taught

14
to others, and there are different opinions of what it is about, but everyone is free to
make their own choice. After all, no matter what someone says, the Bible is the most
popular book in the world, and its prayer "Our Father" is known by heart even to a
schoolboy.[27] It is the source of wisdom for those who are looking for it and ready
to study with passion.

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2.2 Basic biblical motifs and images
The Bible contains religious and secular works of different content and form,
which testify to the variety of ways of knowing, understanding reality, forming new
worldview foundations of human existence, and attempts to look into the future of
humanity. Real and unreal, myth and reality are closely intertwined in it. Scientists
believe that most of the stories have a real basis, they are a true story enshrined in
legends. Despite the fact that many plots are logically contradictory, they are united
by a powerful spiritual content. That is why the Bible is considered a Book of books,
on the basis of which both religious and secular thinking developed.
Also, the Bible is more than a Book of ideas. It is also a Book of images and
motifs. Everywhere we turn, we find concrete pictures and recurrent patterns. Some
of these, like the image of light, are universal. Others, like the motif of left-
handedness, are inexpressive until we have been alerted to their significance.The
meaning of others, such as the image of sitting in the gate, is lost on modern readers
until they are initiated into what the motif meant in other places at other times.
Although motifs are more likely to revolve around plot or action than around
images, we should pause to note that motifs often incorporate images. For instance,
water as an image, symbol, metaphor and simile. Wаter appears in a sacred text by
phrase combination ordeal by water. That way, the ability to survive under the water
was an evidence of innocence, while drowning showed that person was possessed by
the devil or was evil-minded. In the Old Testament, for example, the flood and the
Red Sea crossing were trials by water in which God's judgment against evil people
was manifested in their drowning while the righteous were preserved. Several Psalms
likewise picture the ordeal as a flood from which the speaker must be rescued. [23]
In addition, the biblical picture of the world consists of an image or symbol
(such as the crown represents the queen or king), or a plot motif (such as crime and
punishment ), or a character type ( the Saviour).
The most famous symbol in the Bible is the cross, and the scene that uses it is
the crucifixion of Jesus. In the first century AD, crucifixion was one of the cruelest
means of depicting a man. Considering that Jesus sacrificed himself for crucifixion

16
simply because of his detractors, indicates how much of a man of faith he was, as a
righteous man and a believer in his Father.  He was bound and nailed to a cross,
which was indeed painful not only for himself but also for his followers. After the
victims of the crucifixion died, the bodies were often left to rot on the cross, causing
even animals, especially vultures, to mock them. The image of the cross expresses the
suffering of the one who was condemned to be hanged. Jesus asked his followers to
be ready to deny themselves and "take up the cross", namely to be willing to suffer
and join his fate. Jesus' journey to his place of killing, namely Calvary, was an
example of obedience and commitment to God in its entirety. The cross is not only
connected with the concept of death and self-sacrifice of Jesus. It also means
salvation, faith, steadfastness and determination. If we judge from the position of his
other disciple, Paul, the cross as well indicates the power of Jesus and God, their
power and wisdom. [23]
As we start talking about Jesus, there is a huge history that takes a whole book
to be written to describe how miraculous, wise he is. Although it is really interesting
to talk about its deeds, we will present the main one. To begin with, he is a natural
leader, motivational speaker, reformer for his students and the ones who believe in
him. He walked all Erusalim to show off his wonders, sayings and put others to the
right road to the kingdom of Lord in the afterlife. Others saw the utter text in his
doings, that is why they take his deeds as an act,  the cooperation with ill ones. As a
result, half of the nation thought of him as a deceiver, cult leader or even a fraud. In
their mind, it looks like he is bearing false witness and is just a homeless drunkard
who looks for a place to stay.
Jesus also appears in scripture as a great orator. Wherever he goes, controversy
seems to follow him step by step, especially from the scribes and Pharisees.  By
defying Jesus, they must understand that they have already lost.  He is a connoisseur
of language, and his arguments are not open to doubt, so their attempts to overthrow
him, to humiliate him, are pathetic. Jesus is the very wisdom and cunning that will
find a way out of any situation, not backing down from his own words, leaving no
room for a counterargument. We need to remember that he suffered for us and pay

17
respect for his spilled blood. Because we have only one life and Jesus gave up his for
the forsake of ours. In this context we propose that Jesus presents himself as the giver
of life and savior, by believing in Jesus people are able to gain eternal life.[23]
The birth of Jesus is one of the most famous scenes in the Bible with his
participation. Taking into account another main character from the Bible, Mary, we
can say that it was an unusual situation with birth signs, angels, prophecies and
unexpected guests with gifts. Mary is the symbol of the mother that is devoted herself
to the child, the one who is «blessed among women» as well as the humble servant of
God, an idealized virgin.[24]
If we say that Christ's birth was unusual, then his end was not natural either. He
rose from the dead. In this way, the image of Jesus can be deciphered as a statement
about the beginning and the end - "Alpha and omega".[24]
Everything in the Bible is interrelated. For example, the grandiose opening and
massive ending can be revealed in the town with long history and perspectives such
as Babylon. It is one of the dread images of the Bible, from the Old Testament. This
town can be understood as the way of showing apocalypses that people created by
themselves. That is why this mighty city is softly recalled by the unimaginable
crushing judgment and wrath of God.
God preaches to love one's neighbour, but there are also people in the Bible
who have not followed this commandment. This is not a one-time occurrence - 
Delilah betrayed Samson’s secret and Judas betrayed Jesus. [23] Judas is the subject
of many films and also mentioned in the plots of various books by his powerful
greed. He is the representation of this world «betrayal», as don’t know the meaning
of terms such as trust and friendship.

18
19
2.3 The biblical picture of the world in English proverbs and sayings
Christianity is the dominant religion in English-speaking countries. It has
become natural that a rich variation of English proverbs and sayings well-known in
the world are originally reference to characters or events, places, doings in the Bible.
[26] W. Mieder concludes that nations that treat the Bible as their “major spiritual
book contain between three hundred and five hundred proverbs that stem from the
Bible”. [17] It is no overstatement to say that the Bible provides different terms such
as «heaven», «hell», «angels», «God», «devil», and «power» to the English proverbs
and sayings.
Fow example, let's analyze the proverb «When the angels appear, the devils
run away.» [22] Here we have two words from the Bible - «angels», «devils». These
words are antonyms. Angels represent the invisible image of God, they are
«messenger», but if it is needed could be guardians, destroyers, warriors, rescuers.
Demons are the sowers of chaos. If we try to compare them, there would be even
differences in their appeals. Angels are pictured with wings as birdlike, and in
contrast, devils are more likely to have wings such as bat, tail, horns…[24]
By making further investigations, let's write down the proverb or saying and find
references to the biblical picture of the world:
1. “Let there be light “- a lighthearted remark when someone turns on a light..[22]
From Genesis 1:3 (NIV) "And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light."
There was nothing, just the word that is how the description of the Bible begins.
After that God said light and everything became bright, so we may assume that light
is the most important thing. Without the light, there would be emptiness and
darkness. The light here is also the symbol of the beginning and used in describing
the origin of the world.p [21]
2. “Forbidden fruit “- something desired, but not permitted. [22]
From Genesis 2:16-17 (NIV) "And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are
free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die."

20
 As we know forbidden fruit is represented by the apples, because it appeared like
that in some passages of Scripture. [23] Although, it is not clearly stated, but in Latin
word «apple» is identical to «evil», so it be peache, apricot.[21]
3. “Am I my brother's keeper? “- to deny responsibility for the whereabouts or
actions of another. [22]
From Genesis 4:9 (NIV) "Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Where is your brother
Abel?' 'I don't know,' he replied. 'Am I my brother's keeper?'"
This saying is about two brothers - Cain (the oldest) and Abel (the youngest).
Some of the versions state that they could be twins. First of all, it needs to be said that
they represent rivalry for the attention of God. He is favoring Abel's offering, and
Cain becomes furious. He is now acting only oriented by his anger. That's why, he
invites his brother into a field, assaults and kills him. When God asked where his
brother was, he acted innocent.[21]
4. “Land of milk and honey “- a desirable place of abundance. [22]
From Numbers 13:27 (NLT) "This was their report to Moses: 'We entered the land
you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk
and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces.'"
This phrase uses two important products to state that the land has lush conditions.
At that time, honey was a luxury, because of its sweetness and milk was the second
most important thing after bread.
5. “Scapegoat” - a person who takes the blame for another's mistakes. [22]
From Leviticus 16:10 (NIV) "But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be
presented alive before the Lord to be used for making atonement by sending it into
the wilderness as a scapegoat.
Interesting thing is that this motif is reappeared in the New Testament as the
creature carrying the sins of the people, and it never was applied to Jesus directly.[21]
6. “Like a lamb led to the slaughter “- innocent and naive to the dangers ahead.
[22]
From Jeremiah 11:19 (NLT) "I was like a lamb being led to the slaughter. I had no
idea that they were planning to kill me!"

21
 Lambs are the symbol of dependence, innocence. From the side of God they
are helpless, so he gathered them in his arms as shepherd in Is 40:11.[21]
7. “Can a leopard change his spots? “- to suggest a person or creature cannot
change its essential nature. [22]
From Jeremiah 13:23 (NIV) "Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its
spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil."
Leopard is the rapacious predator that cannot be a vegetarian. It’s  impossible to
do as well as to change the spots.[21]
As we could see, proverbs and sayings may be structured as just one word, world
combination or as the whole sentence. Depending on the context of the biblical text,
we are able to understand the biblical picture of the world that is present in the
sentence as the determinate world of an animal, specific creature or a person.

22
 Conclusions
Proverbs and sayings are the achievements of the nation. Their importance in
the language is reflected by the way that they lend eloquence, structure, and
emotionality to it. At the same time they are revealing the specifics of the life of the
people. This aspect also includes the views of foreigners on England, its history,
attitude to politics, or how they endure natural phenomenons or live on an island
filled with rivers,surrounded by an ocean, and on land concealed by forest and mists.
Nevertheless, it remains that Englishman still stick to the place where they
were born. As a country, they are proud of themselves. We can describe them as
religious, law-abiding people, which in turn directly conveyed us to the Bible and its
Word. The Bible is full of descriptions of how the world was created, how people
lived on it, and that the Savior was sent to help us overcome our mistakes and
misdeeds. Thanks to his faith in his Father, his spirit, as well as the precepts  and
counsels, mankind was able to make amends for their sins such as a fratricide and
betrayal. People need to learn how to live righteously, as the Bible and the proverbs
and sayings of the nation point out, and then we shall enter the land of milk and
honey.

23
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