Proverbs (Crossway Classic Commentaries | CCC)
Overview
While other parts of Scripture show the glory of the Christian’s high calling, Proverbs instructs in detail how to walk in and be worthy of this calling. A treasure trove of divine wisdom, Proverbs challenges readers to actively seek its priceless truths about daily living. Charles Bridge’s classic work provides the map. He divides Proverbs into three general sections, interpreting each nugget of instruction canonically—that is, as an organic part of the Bible as a whole—and evangelically—that is, assuming the change of heart through the Holy Spirit’s regenerating action about which evangelical theology is explicit—and practically—that is, as a guide to wise and godly behavior in all human relationships. With Bridge’s stimulating insights as a guide, you will find Proverbs to be a rare and extraordinary book which impresses on your heart the importance of faith’s fundamentals, the value of self-discipline, and the impact of bringing everything under the Word of God.
Top Highlights
“‘The great folly of man in trials,’ as Dr. Owen has rightly remarked, ‘is leaning to or on his own understanding and counsels. What is the result of this? Whenever in our trials we consult our own understanding, listen to our own reason, even though they appear to be good, the principle of living by faith is stifled, and we will in this way be let down by our own counsels.’” (Page 27)
“The heart must be known, so that it may be kept safe. Nothing is more difficult, but nothing is more necessary. If we do not know our hearts, it will be as if we knew nothing at all. Whatever else we know, to neglect this knowledge is to be a prize fool. If we do not know our weak points, Satan is well aware of them, ‘the sin that so easily entangles’ (Hebrews 12:2).” (Page 39)
“As well as the simple and the young, the wise gain instruction here. For a truly wise man is not a person who has attained everything, but one who knows that he has not attained and is pressing on to perfection (Philippians 3:12).” (Page 16)
“Listening is the way to acquire knowledge. Let the wise listen. Jethro instructed Moses (Exodus 18:17–26), our Lord his disciples (Matthew 13:11–16; John 16:12–13). Peter instructed his fellow apostles (Acts 11:2–18). Priscilla and Aquila explained to Apollos ‘the way of God more accurately’ (Acts 18:24–26). Indeed, we must be listeners if we want to be teachers. As Bishop Hall once wrote, ‘He gathers who listens; he spends who teaches. If we spend before we gather, we will soon become bankrupt.’ The more we learn, the more we feel we need to learn, and the more willing we are to listen and add to [our] learning (compare 9:9; 18:15).” (Page 16)
- Title: Crossway Classic Commentaries: Proverbs
- Author: Charles Bridges
- Publisher: Crossway Books
- Publication Date: 2001
- Pages: 286
Reviews
6 ratings
Jason Grubbs
11/17/2015
The best commentary on Proverbs I have ever read! It should be daily reading.
Philana Backey
12/27/2013
Tommy Miller
4/16/2013
Buyer Beware! This is not the 640 page full edition. This is not even Mr. Bridges original work. This is a 286 page summary by a couple of modern writers. Mr. Bridges original work is excellent and worth the read. This modern paraphrase is lacking. Despite the misleading overview above, Crossway Classic Commentaries apparently are not a reprint of the Classics. They are abridged summaries.
