God’s Wisdom in Proverbs
Overview
The book of Proverbs has been understood and misunderstood in countless different ways. In God’s Wisdom in Proverbs, Dan Phillips explores this “kaleidoscopic microcosm of the wisdom of God.” Phillips takes special care to convey the distinctive style and rhetorical effect of the original Hebrew. God’s Wisdom in Proverbs provides an excellent introduction and selective exposition of this much misunderstood book. For the seasoned expositor, student, or layperson, Phillips work will challenge, encourage, and instruct in wise living as revealed in Proverbs.
In the Logos edition, this insightful resource is enhanced by the power of leading research tools. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Powerful searches help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Tablet and mobile apps let you take the discussion with you. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
- Provides an introduction and exposition of an often misunderstood book
- Pays special attention to the distinctive style of the original Hebrew
- Applies the wisdom of Proverbs to relationships, marriage, and parenting
- Essentials for Understanding Proverbs
- The Stated Design of Proverbs
- The Foundation of Wisdom
- Wisdom: Seeking and Finding
- Relating to God by Trust and Worship
- Skill in Godly Relationships
- Skill in Godly Marriage
- Skill in Godly Child-Training
- Epilogue: A Word to the Wise
- Appendix 1: Who Wrote Proverbs, and What Difference Does It Make?
- Appendix 2: Words Related to Teaching in Proverbs
- Appendix 3: Proverbs 22:6—Promise or Threat?
Top Highlights
“If I am upset by the good fortunes of those without a relationship with God, I betray a lack of perspective. God does not have His rightful place in my hierarchy of the universe.” (Page 96)
“Remember, Solomon asked for ‘an understanding mind’ in verse 9. The phrase translated ‘understanding mind’ is a לֵב שֹׁמֵע, a lēḇ šōmē‘a, which very literally means a listening heart, or a hearing heart. The meaning of this expression is a heart that hears with a mind to obey. It is what a mother means when she tells her children, ‘Listen to me!’” (Page 7)
“Instruction may produce knowledge, but discipline produces character.” (Page 42)
“One is not truly wise unless he knows the Lord personally.” (Page 39)
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“Proverbs convey pithy points and principles, not precious particular promises37” (Page 20) |
One of the great pleasures of life is puzzling through the book of Proverbs, and if you’re looking to navigate life with Solomonic skill, Dan Phillips is ready to show you the ropes. This book’s author is not too proud to learn from the Bible and he’s not too scared to think for himself. This is the first book I would recommend for those wanting to study Proverbs.
—James M. Hamilton Jr., associate professor of biblical theology, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Finding practical skill for living life is always a challenge. Dan Phillips has produced a highly readable, text driven, and practical exposition of the book of Proverbs. This work is technical enough for the scholar, yet clear and relevant for the layman. Phillips’ commentary will help anyone navigate the challenges of contemporary life by explaining God’s ancient book of wisdom.
—Michael Rydelink, professor of Jewish studies, Moody Bible Institute
The list of really useful literature on the book of Proverbs is rather short. God’s Wisdom in Proverbs is a welcome and needed addition to that list. Proverbs is a book rich with insight and instruction, motivation and exhortation. However, for too many Christians it’s a book of pithy sayings that make one either nod the head with feigned (but mystified) agreement or which are applied in ways that would have made even the wise Solomon scratch his head in bewilderment. Dan’s book goes a long way to help clear one's head of mystery and misapplication.
—Kevin D. Zuber, professor of theology, Moody Bible Institute
- Title: God’s Wisdom in Proverbs
- Author: Dan Phillips
- Publisher: Kress Biblical Resources
- Publication Date: 2011
- Pages: 432
Reviews
4 ratings
Phil Siefkes
12/12/2020
This resource, like Phillips's other book The World-Tilting Gospel, is refreshing. The author is not afraid to tell us what the text says, what it means, and how it applies. His evident confidence in the God-who-reveals is stimulating to the soul of the reader.
Michael Coughlin
2/4/2015
To the serious Bible student, understanding the meaning of the text is more important than finding a Bible passage to support his or her preconceived notions. Dan Phillips presents an understanding of Proverbs which intends to truly depict what the intent of the Holy Spirit was in authorship. Dan skillfully deals with the difficult issues of our day, for example: common misunderstandings which need correction. If your goal is a feel good book where you can pull pithy quotes for your sermon, avoid this treasure. If you want to be a student of the whole counsel of God, learn to read Proverbs in a way which enhances your love for God and find ways to practically apply it to your life, then waste no time before buying this book! I own the print version and the LOGOS version. The LOGOS version is really great because this book is packed with so many scripture references. Studying the e-book with links to the passage is easy. In the interest of full disclosure, I am the author's brother. OK, just kidding, we're only brothers in Christ. But I was afraid my glowing review could sound like a paid advertisement, so I wanted to lighten the mood a bit!W Russell Lyle III
5/8/2014
Webster Hunt
12/19/2013
This book has helped me move from confusion to understanding, and from aversion to joy in reading Proverbs. Probably the most refreshing part of the book is how Dan communicates that plain readings of the text - coupled with understanding of context like Solomon's qualifications, his life, what he would have studied, and recognizing the different types of Proverbs - cement trust in the truth of God's Word, and how that helps you avoid the pitfalls of diving into the mystical interpretations that so many people try to dig out of the book of Proverbs. I'd buy this book for the chapter on the fear of Yahweh alone: I don't think I've read a more thorough treatment of the subject.
Doug Hibbard
12/17/2013
I have the hardcopy, since it's obviously still on pre-buy here. So, I'll give you the rundown on the content. I will assume that the print version is enhanced by the linking and auto-references that are inherent to Logos, which always helps a reference book, and that it's got the downside of having to be read on a glowing screen. First, God's Wisdom in Proverbs (GWiP) examines the text of Proverbs as if the book were meant to be read as a whole, rather than a collection of chariot bumper-stickers and outer-robe slogans. This is a benefit, because it is far too easy to fall into reading Proverbs as hundreds of sayings rather than one book. Second, GWiP recognizes the idea of Divine Inspiration in the text. Rather than merely accepting Proverbs as a wise man's collection of wise ideas, Phillips sees Proverbs as he sees all 65 other Biblical books: presented perfectly by the Spirit of God. If you accept the Bible as inspired, this is a helpful look. Third, GWiP builds on the Hebrew language rather than just working from a translation. Putting this alongside the language tools of Logos will help those of us with a weaker Hebrew list. This helps counter what is the weakness in the print edition--having to wrestle with the author's paraphrase of Hebrew and wondering who was right: Phillips or King James? Now you can reference your other Hebrew resources more readily to check on both of them. Fourth, GWiP builds a Christ-centered view of Proverbs without making Allegorical Jesus out of every good thing mentioned in the text. In all, I've pre-ordered the Logos version of a hardcover that's on my shelf. I think it's worth the having in both formats.
