10-31-06 / Proverb (משל mashal, Strong's #4912): A ruler is someone or something that defines a standard of measure. This can be a stick with incremental lines on it for measuring or a person who defines the standard by which people live by. The Hebrew verb meaning 'to rule' is mashal and when used in the participle form it means a ruler, or one who rules. (Possibly the origin of our word marshal?) The noun form, also pronounced mashal is a parable, or proverb. The function of a parable or proverb is to define a standard of measure that one is to live by. For example, In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:6).