From phrases.org.uk:
"The graphic to the right shows the words that are used in English proverbs, with the size of each word showing how often it occurs ... It's interesting to note that the two most common words in English proverbs are 'good' and 'never'. A bit of armchair psychology leads to the conclusion that, if proverbs really do reflect belief, then the English are (or at least were when these proverbs were coined) inclined to be virtuous and negative - not so far from the truth perhaps?"