The best replacement for proverb is idiom.

The best alternatives to proverb are rated as following:
★★★★★  idiom
★★★★  adage
★★★  saying
★★  maxim
★★  aphorism
★★  proverbs
★  cliche
★  old saying
★  quotation
★  adverb
★  prokid
★  wise saying
  parable

Your alternative for proverb is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about proverb, one probably shouldn't forget about money you can buy.

Other search terms related to proverb and their ratings are:
★★★★★ money you can buy
★★★ no risk comes no reward
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proverb
idiom
adage