To strengthen an argument or illustrate a remark by a proverb was then a common practice in conversation.

Their use, however, is now considered vulgar, and their formal application is almost prohibited by the rules of polite society.
Lord Chesterfield denounced the practice of quoting proverbs as a palpable violation of all polite refinement in conversation.
Notwithstanding all this, we acknowledge having much pleasure in recalling our national proverbial expressions.

They are full of character, and we find amongst them important truths, expressed forcibly, wisely, and gracefully.

The expression of Bacon has often been quoted--"The genius, wit, and wisdom of a nation, are discovered by their proverbs." All nations have their proverbs, and a vast number of books have been written on the subject.

We find, accordingly, that collections have been made of proverbs considered as belonging peculiarly to Scotland.