The first few verses of the book of Proverbs is thought-provoking.  King Solomon gives the purpose of a proverb, he defines it and explains what a proverb should be doing in our lives.

(NASB) Proverbs 1:1-6
1 “The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To discern the sayings of understanding,
3 To receive instruction in wise behavior,
Righteousness, justice and equity;
4 To give prudence to the naïve,
To the youth knowledge and discretion,
5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning,
And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,
6 To understand a proverb and a figure,
The words of the wise and their riddles.”

A proverb needs to be understood, pondered; because a proverb has words of wisdom which needs to be figured out. 

Like a jig-saw puzzle, one piece fits into other pieces around it.  No other piece will fit into the space of another piece.  To put a jig-saw puzzle together is to put in one piece at a time.
A proverb, the words which are used, will give us sound advice.

Ponder the words of a proverb and you will gain wisdom.  Proverbs which come from the living God will give us direction for our lives.

~ Take it to heart ~

Proverbs 1:6 NASB
“6 To understand a proverb and a figure,
The words of the wise and their riddles.”

Take time to ponder the words of a proverb…