THE CONCEPT OF MONEY IN ENGLISH PROVERBS

Abstract

This paper explores the representation of money in English proverbs, analyzing how these traditional expressions reflect cultural attitudes toward wealth, thrift, moral conduct, and social behavior. Proverbs have long served as repositories of collective wisdom, offering insight into societal norms and ethical perspectives on economic matters. The study categorizes money-related proverbs into thematic groups, examining their linguistic features, pragmatic functions, and cultural significance. Comparative observations are made with selected equivalents in other languages to highlight universality and specificity. The findings demonstrate that English proverbs about money primarily advocate prudence, condemn greed, and emphasize the limitations of material wealth in ensuring genuine happiness. The study concludes that proverbial discourse on money remains relevant, providing moral guidance and pragmatic advice in both historical and contemporary contexts.