Proverbs

by Charles Bridges

The Book of Proverbs, in Bridges' view, 'is not generally estimated at its just value . The author of The Christian Ministry does not favour a purely technical study of the text, but gives a homiletical and practical treatment. 'The best work on the Proverbs', was C.H. Spurgeon's verdict on this commentary. 'Whilst explaining the passage in hand, he sets other portions of the word in new lights'.

Charles Bridges (1794-1869) was one of the leaders of Evangelical party in the Church of England in the last century. He was the vicar of Old Newton, Suffolk, from 1823 to 1849, and later of Weymouth and Hinton Martell in Dorset. Although The Christian Ministry is Bridges' bestknown literary work, his expositions which included Ecclesiastes and Psalm 119 as well as Proverbs, are highly valued.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theology, Old Testament, Biblical Studies, Christian, Christian Living

656 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1968

Reviews

[Read1000books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gold mine of practical wisdom, this 646 page commentary on the Old Testament book of Proverbs is probably the best one ever written. Charles Bridges (1794-1869), an English pastor, published the first edition of this work in 1846. Written in an era when men could think without being plagued by a thousand noisy distractions and devices, the careful reader will find here a wealth of helpful advice, warnings well worth heeding, quotations from long forgotten books and scholarly preachers, pithy sayings for highlighting and memorizing, as well as illuminating expositions of every verse in the book of Proverbs. I went through it slowly but completely, from cover to cover, over a period of fifteen years and four months and it well deserves my highest possible recommendation.

[Joe Koehler · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the many who are in the practice of reading one chapter of proverbs each day of the month, this volume is an excellent companion. Full of valuable cross-references and gospel-informed insights, Bridges has provided a commentary valuable to the academic, the pastor and the flock, alike. Perhaps the greatest insight I gleaned was in how Bridges saw the Proverbs not as "spiritual tic-tacs" (as my college professor would remark), but as a valuable part of God's inspired Word for the instruction of holiness in his people. A favorite quote: "While other parts of Scripture show us the glory of our high calling; [proverbs] may instruct in all minuteness of detail how to walk worthy of it'… we see the minuteness of our Christian obligations; that there is not a temper, a look, a word, a movement, the most important action of the day, the smallest relative duty, in which we do not either deface or adorn the image of our Lord, and the profession of his name."

[Hulda Gilca]

”Proverbs 1:7 – Wisdom
”The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
All heathen wisdom is but folly. Of all knowledge, the knowledge of God is the principal. There is no true knowledge without godliness (cp. Deu 4:6, 7).”



”Bridge’s Proverbs is “The best work on the Proverbs. While explaining the passage in hand, he sets other portions of the Word in new lights.”—C.H. Spurgeon

[Philip Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute masterpiece from Charles Bridges. Feeling like an idiot that it's taken me so long to do a deep dive into Proverbs. Every pastor should read this. Probably every Christian should read this.

[Mark Loughridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t remember when I started reading, but it’s been an on-going project. Finished it today and have thoroughly benefited from it. So much wisdom packed in here.

[Sarah Ashwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best spiritual book I've ever read besides the Bible. Simple, easy to understand, practical, and yet deep. Cannot recommend this book highly enough. I think every Christian should read it and own it.

[Rita L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

For years, this was my daily ‘go-to’ book for wisdom and encouragement for parenting. Each paragraph(s) commenting on the proverbs is fuel for a little personal study in itself if one takes a few moments to read and meditate on even a few of his many cross-references. I always say that no one ever taught me the gospel through proverbs like Bridges. I’ve returned to it each day recently with a younger sister in the Lord. Wish I could take every younger woman I love along with us!

[Lucas Nosal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel bad giving this a 3-star because I feel like I didn't use it enough to accurately rate it. But when I did use it, I often found myself preferring what Kitchen had to say in his commentary. Bridges does have some helpful things to say, and the other commentaries I used often quote him, but I found the style to be less what I was looking for.

[Mark Nenadov · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource on the book of Proverbs. Rich, deep, and yet practical and simply written.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic, very helpful commentary. Always useful to read interpretations of Scripture from another age, and Bridges serves that purpose well.

[Lynn Fucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best commentaries I have ever read. The author is very good about using biblical principles to help the reader gain greater understanding of a passage. It forces one to think deeply about scripture and its implications for the heart. It will also improve one’s vocabulary!

[Micah Lugg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridges commentary on Proverbs is a rich study. I found his application to the believer in Christ particularly insightful and convicting. A great devotional commentary that provides good application for sermons too.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahead of his time. A great commentary/exposition on Proverbs. This would be great for pastors who are preparing sermons. Less technical than one like Waltke, more "pastoral", with great insight, but fully orthodox.