paradox vs proverb

paradox

noun
  • The use of counterintuitive or contradictory statements (paradoxes) in speech or writing. 

  • A claim that two apparently contradictory ideas are true. 

  • An unanswerable question or difficult puzzle, particularly one which leads to a deeper truth. 

  • An apparently self-contradictory statement, which can only be true if it is false, and vice versa. 

  • A state in which one is logically compelled to contradict oneself. 

  • A person or thing having contradictory properties. 

  • A counterintuitive conclusion or outcome. 

  • A thing involving contradictory yet interrelated elements that exist simultaneously and persist over time. 

  • The practice of giving instructions that are opposed to the therapist's actual intent, with the intention that the client will disobey or be unable to obey. 

proverb

noun
  • A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable. 

  • A drama exemplifying a proverb. 

  • A phrase expressing a basic truth which may be applied to common situations. 

  • A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference. 

verb
  • To name in, or as, a proverb. 

  • To write or utter proverbs. 

  • To provide with a proverb. 

How often have the words paradox and proverb occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )