The general sense of the word, accordding to Scripture, means somewhat that is instructive. The Eastern method of teaching by similitudes, and figures, and parables, was the most general: hence Solomon's whole book is to this amount. The Hebrews called proverbs Mishle. Our blessed Lord was pleased to follow this popular mode of instruction, for which we are indebted for those numberless beauties in the gospel. So much so was this plan adopted by Christ, that we are told that at one time without a parable spake he not unto them. (Matthew 13:14) But such was the grace of Jesus to his disciples, that when he was alone he expounded and explained all things unto them. When we read, therefore, the parables, or indeed any other of the blessed sayings which dropped from Christ's mouth, when we are alone with Jesus we should ask the indulgent Lord to do the same by us, and make the word doubly sweet and blessed by unfolding and explaining all things to us himself.