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Proverbs
This addition to Sheffield's acclaimed Old Testament Guides series introduces students not only to Proverbs but also to the genre of 'wisdom literature' in general (dealing with such questions as the origin and location of 'wisdom' in ancient Israel). Martin discusses the structure of the book of Proverbs as a whole, provides a guided reading to the more or less sustained discourses in chapters 1-9 and to the collections of proverb-type sentences in the remaining chapters, and considers the relationship of Proverbs to other ancient Near Eastern literature. The Guide is completed by essays on 'The Feminine in the Book of Proverbs' and 'Wisdom and Theology'.
- GenresChristian
106 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 1995
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August 1, 2025
Martin is right. I can’t remember the last time I looked up a commentary on Proverbs. I just never found a need. Since I seldom read books on Proverbs, it also means I have little to compare this book with. What it has in its favour is that it’s only 106 pages long, and it covers the structure of Proverbs well.
Ordinarily, I would recommend this book as a starter before you preach or teach a series on Proverbs, but reading Martin’s views on the origins of the Incarnation has left a bad taste in my mouth.
Ironically, we would do well to pay attention to how Martin ends his book. He tells us there is a disconnect between wisdom and theology. Wisdom is often neglected. It doesn’t have to be.
One of the scholars Martin references, Roland E. Murphy, “made some suggestions for the theological role of wisdom in the context of Old Testament and biblical theology”. Martin lists five; I will just mention one here.
The concept of “the fear of the Lord”, which is pervasive in Proverbs, is “the fundamental principle of all life”. Many bad decisions and bad theology could be avoided if we all remembered that.
Full 3,200 word review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...
Ordinarily, I would recommend this book as a starter before you preach or teach a series on Proverbs, but reading Martin’s views on the origins of the Incarnation has left a bad taste in my mouth.
Ironically, we would do well to pay attention to how Martin ends his book. He tells us there is a disconnect between wisdom and theology. Wisdom is often neglected. It doesn’t have to be.
One of the scholars Martin references, Roland E. Murphy, “made some suggestions for the theological role of wisdom in the context of Old Testament and biblical theology”. Martin lists five; I will just mention one here.
The concept of “the fear of the Lord”, which is pervasive in Proverbs, is “the fundamental principle of all life”. Many bad decisions and bad theology could be avoided if we all remembered that.
Full 3,200 word review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...
Displaying 1 of 1 review