The Book of Proverbs, Chapters 1–15 (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament | NICOT)

by Bruce K. Waltke

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2004

Over 25 years in the making, this much-anticipated commentary promises to be the standard study of Proverbs for years to come. Written by eminent Old Testament scholar Bruce Waltke, this two-volume commentary is unquestionably the most comprehensive work on Proverbs available.

Grounded in the literary criticism that has so strengthened biblical interpretation, Waltke’s commentary on Proverbs demonstrates the profound, ongoing relevance of this Old Testament book for Christian faith and life. A thorough introduction addresses such issues as text and versions, structure, authorship, and theology. The detailed commentary itself explains and elucidates Proverbs as “theological literature.” Waltke’s highly readable style—evident even in his original translation of the Hebrew text—makes his scholarly work accessible to teachers, pastors, Bible students, and general readers alike.

Key Features

• Verse-by-verse commentary
• In-depth discussion of textual and critical matters
• Introduction to the authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology of Proverbs

Contents

Top Highlights

“Wisdom’s saving voice is not at human disposal. It can be forfeited through prior rejection.” (Page 210)

“The headings (or superscripts) in Proverbs readily divide the book into seven collections (1:1; 10:1; 22:17; 24:23; 25:1; 30:1; 31:1).” (Page 9)

“In sum, a right relationship with God leads to a state of complete physical and mental well-being, not simply to the absence of illness and disease.” (Page 247)

“The early fathers based their identification of Wisdom and Christ on their preexistence and their assumed roles as agents in the creation (Prov. 3:19–20; 8:22–31; cf. John 1:3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:15–16; Heb. 1:3). As I will show in the commentary, however, a grammatico-historical exegesis of Proverbs 8 does not support patristic exegesis.” (Page 127)

“In sum, the lectures and addresses of the prologue prepare the youth’s heart to accept the proverbs and sayings that follow in the rest of the book.” (Page 11)

Endorsements

Bruce Waltke’s Book of Proverbs is destined to become the outstanding commentary on this book of the Bible. For all who are bored with the apparent ‘stuffiness’ of religion and theology, the analysis of life and living as taught here will restore a good dose of realism all over again.

—Walter C. Kaiser Jr., president emeritus, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Meticulous, insightful, illuminating, erudite, devotional, rich, thoughtful, and wise. All of these words describe this important commentary. Everyone who seriously studies Proverbs needs to read this work.

—Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College

If serious students of Proverbs had to choose only one resource on the book of Proverbs, they would be wise to choose this magnificent commentary by Bruce K. Waltke.

—Criswell Theological Review

Where is wisdom to be found? The book of Proverbs is an obvious answer, yet readers often find it a jumble of disconnected sayings, with little theological value. Having thought long and deeply about Proverbs, Bruce Waltke offers a wonderful guide through the book, elucidating many problems and showing how skillfully the work was composed. He explains each verse with care and authority, dealing with details of the Hebrew but giving pride of place to exegesis and exposition. Here is a realistic, wise, and godly commentary, better than Keil and Delitzsch for the 21st century.

—Richard J. Clifford, professor of Old Testament, Boston College

Perhaps the most significant exegetical work on the Book of Proverbs in the last one hundred years. A testimony to [Bruce Waltke’s] interpretive insight and skill, and to his vast experience as an educator and preacher.

—Bibliotheca Sacra

Product Details

• Title: The Book of Proverbs, Chapters 1–15
• Author: Bruce K. Waltke
• Series: New International Commentary on the Old and New Testament
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Print Publication Date: 2004
• Logos Release Date: 2009
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. O.T. Proverbs 1-15 › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9780802825452, 9780802827760, 0802825451, 0802827764
• Resource ID: LLS:NICOT20PR1
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-05-17T01:28:00Z

About Bruce K. Waltke

Bruce Waltke (1930– ) is an Old Testament scholar, distinguished professor of Old Testament at Knox Theological Seminary, and professor emeritus of Old Testament studies at Regent College. He has also taught at Dallas Theological Seminary, Westminster Theological Seminary, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Regent College. He has served as president of the Evangelical Theological Society.

Waltke was on the translation committee of both the New American Standard Bible and the New International Version. He is the author of numerous award-winning books like Genesis: A Commentary (co-authored with C. J. Fredricks) and An Old Testament Theology: An Exegetical, Canonical, and Thematic Approach. Other books from Waltke include The Book of Proverbs (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament) and The Psalms as Christian Worship.