Gnomic verse is poetry made up of brief sayings, maxims, moral reflections, or general truths. It often sounds wise, sententious, or instructive rather than narrative, and it was especially associated with ancient Greek poets such as Theognis. The focus is on memorable wisdom or advice, not on gnomes.
Example
Think lightly of the feast, but hold
A steady hand when storms grow cold.
A friend is known in leaner days;
A true word outlives praise.