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God's Wisdom for Navigating Life: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Book of Proverbs
From pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller comes a beautifully packaged, yearlong daily devotional based on the Book of Proverbs.Proverbs is God’s book of wisdom, teaching us the essence and goal of a Christian life. In this 365-day devotional, Timothy Keller offers readers a fresh, inspiring lesson for every day of the year based on different passages within the Book of Proverbs. With his trademark knowledge, Keller unlocks the wisdom within the poetry of Proverbs and guides us toward a new understanding of what it means to live a moral life. God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life is a book that readers will be able to turn to every day, year after year, to cultivate a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with God. This makes a perfect companion to Keller’s devotional on the Psalms, The Songs of Jesus.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2017
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3015 people want to read
About the author
Timothy J. Keller
447 books5,790 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Timothy Keller was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. For over twenty years he has led a diverse congregation of young professionals that has grown to a weekly attendance of over 5,000.
He was also Chairman of Redeemer City to City, which starts new churches in New York and other global cities, and publishes books and resources for faith in an urban culture. In over ten years they have helped to launch over 250 churches in 48 cities. More recently, Dr. Keller’s books, including the New York Times bestselling The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over 1 million copies and been translated into 15 languages.
Christianity Today has said, “Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.”
Dr. Keller was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He previously served as the pastor of West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America.
Timothy Keller was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. For over twenty years he has led a diverse congregation of young professionals that has grown to a weekly attendance of over 5,000.
He was also Chairman of Redeemer City to City, which starts new churches in New York and other global cities, and publishes books and resources for faith in an urban culture. In over ten years they have helped to launch over 250 churches in 48 cities. More recently, Dr. Keller’s books, including the New York Times bestselling The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over 1 million copies and been translated into 15 languages.
Christianity Today has said, “Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.”
Dr. Keller was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He previously served as the pastor of West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
February 20, 2024
Extremely good daily devotional. Unlike Keller's Psalm book devotional (which proceeds in biblical order) this book goes through more by theme - typically picking a couple of verses (not necessarily concurrent ones) and including a commentary and prayer to accompany every day's reading. The author really brings Proverbs to life in this way - showing its application for today's world.
December 31, 2019
I love the dogged humility of his slow, verse-by-verse pursuit of the Psalms in Songs of Jesus that I'm tempted to ding him because this doesn't do exactly the same thing with Proverbs. Never mind. There's still enough five-star material in here to pervade the text. Reasonably, he is thematic in his approaches to the book's content. This helps with application, even if it does run averse to my persnickety preferences.
He does seem to run short of material at the end of the year. I'll never object to anybody running to the straight Gospel from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, but he seems to have to reach to tie it back to Proverbs without explicitly repeating material he has already covered.
SECOND READING: Agree on all counts, yet I continued to glean material from it this time through.
He does seem to run short of material at the end of the year. I'll never object to anybody running to the straight Gospel from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, but he seems to have to reach to tie it back to Proverbs without explicitly repeating material he has already covered.
SECOND READING: Agree on all counts, yet I continued to glean material from it this time through.
June 26, 2020
At one of the places I interned, my boss would begin the day by reading segments from the introduction of this devotional. I was sufficiently intrigued to buy my own copy and incorporate it into my daily devotion.
I quickly realized there was a reason my boss transitioned to something else after finishing the introduction. The introduction was really the best part of the book.
Like many daily readings, some worked better than others. Maybe once a month I felt a day really stuck out to me and forced me to examine an element of the Proverbs or wisdom literature differently. But too often I did the daily reading, read the occasionally simplistic analysis, and moved on.
The problem probably lies with me. I don't really care for brief devotions that include pre-written prayers. I also didn't love the tone (which perhaps translates to an expected audience of wealthy or middle class Americans.)
Or maybe I just hoped for some more intense analysis of a book of the Bible I've read multiple times.
If you don't know much about the Proverbs or wisdom literature in general, this is probably a good introduction with easy to digest takeaways and follow up prayers. If you consider yourself fairly familiar with the words of Proverbs, though, this won't be anything to new.
I quickly realized there was a reason my boss transitioned to something else after finishing the introduction. The introduction was really the best part of the book.
Like many daily readings, some worked better than others. Maybe once a month I felt a day really stuck out to me and forced me to examine an element of the Proverbs or wisdom literature differently. But too often I did the daily reading, read the occasionally simplistic analysis, and moved on.
The problem probably lies with me. I don't really care for brief devotions that include pre-written prayers. I also didn't love the tone (which perhaps translates to an expected audience of wealthy or middle class Americans.)
Or maybe I just hoped for some more intense analysis of a book of the Bible I've read multiple times.
If you don't know much about the Proverbs or wisdom literature in general, this is probably a good introduction with easy to digest takeaways and follow up prayers. If you consider yourself fairly familiar with the words of Proverbs, though, this won't be anything to new.
December 27, 2019
I did not enjoy this or get as much out of it as I did Tim Keller’s devotional on the Psalms. It did have some good thoughts and take-aways. Not sure if I didn’t enjoy it as much because I prefer Psalms over Proverbs generally.
December 12, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This Compilation of reflections and prayers on Proverbs is an excellent daily reading. If you need daily wisdom, this is a great source.
April 27, 2025
what a gift. really helped set my marriage in the right place in doing Devo together. elicits good reflection questions and helpful wisdom, leading us to meaningful prayers. will cherish this one
January 1, 2019
After Keller’s Psalms daily devotion book, I had high hopes for the book on Proverbs. We were not disappointed. Rather than going through the book chronologically, Keller divided the year by topics, including marriage, parenting, leadership, etc. Each entry was insightful and thought provoking—as well as digestible for a daily devotion. As usual, the prayers were on point and always pointing to Jesus. My favorite part of the entry was a very thoughtful question for consideration that always sparked good conversation with my husband. Read this.
January 10, 2021
Read through this last year as part of my daily devotional. Packed with so much wisdom...loved digging into Proverbs.
December 27, 2021
I enjoyed and benefited from this book this year. I definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a daily opportunity to think more deeply.
If you do read it, look for someone else to read it alongside you. My sister read it this year too, and talking about it with her was a big factor in what made it so beneficial.
I did feel like this book may have been better shorter. I got the most from it when I took the time to journal and answer the questions, and that was hard to keep up over the whole year.
If you do read it, look for someone else to read it alongside you. My sister read it this year too, and talking about it with her was a big factor in what made it so beneficial.
I did feel like this book may have been better shorter. I got the most from it when I took the time to journal and answer the questions, and that was hard to keep up over the whole year.
December 31, 2024
good themes and lessons for living life the way God intends us🫡
December 31, 2021
Another great daily devotional from T Keller… preferred Psalms but that was mostly because I wasn’t awake enough to process the practical or far-reaching topics that Proverbs covers.
“Interesting/Pithy/Applicable quote TBA”
“Interesting/Pithy/Applicable quote TBA”
December 30, 2025
2025 - second read
I’ve benefited greatly from this book a second time. Updated from 4 to 5 stars (no idea why I didn’t give it five stars last time, even after the glowing review). If you’re looking for a good 365-day devotional, I’d still recommend starting with Keller’s Psalms devotional (it’s just so good). But this one is a wonderful complement.
2020 - first read
This was a great companion to 2020 - a great way to start every day. It'd usually take me around 5-10mins but if I had longer I'd happily spend more time reflecting and responding.
At first I didn't find it as good as Keller's similar yearly devotional on the Psalms. But after a month or two, I started to realise just how brilliant it is. Its wisdom is cumulative, so reading just a day or two isn't really enough to get the vibe.
I was especially challenged by the near-final section on being generous to the poor in our realm, something I need to think through (and do!) more.
Highly recommended.
I’ve benefited greatly from this book a second time. Updated from 4 to 5 stars (no idea why I didn’t give it five stars last time, even after the glowing review). If you’re looking for a good 365-day devotional, I’d still recommend starting with Keller’s Psalms devotional (it’s just so good). But this one is a wonderful complement.
2020 - first read
This was a great companion to 2020 - a great way to start every day. It'd usually take me around 5-10mins but if I had longer I'd happily spend more time reflecting and responding.
At first I didn't find it as good as Keller's similar yearly devotional on the Psalms. But after a month or two, I started to realise just how brilliant it is. Its wisdom is cumulative, so reading just a day or two isn't really enough to get the vibe.
I was especially challenged by the near-final section on being generous to the poor in our realm, something I need to think through (and do!) more.
Highly recommended.
December 30, 2024
Loved reading through Proverbs this year!
The only reason I gave this a 4/5 stars is because last year I read the Songs of Jesus Devo by Tim Keller (goes through Psalms) and I just think that devo is catered more towards a girl brain and the Proverbs devo caters to guys. What I mean by this is that Psalms is more emotionally involved and Proverbs is more black and white/rules to live by. It’s obviously important to have a balance of both in life, so I wouldn’t read one without the other, but it wasn’t the most engaging devo for me.
This is totally just my opinion and should not stop anyone from reading it!
The only reason I gave this a 4/5 stars is because last year I read the Songs of Jesus Devo by Tim Keller (goes through Psalms) and I just think that devo is catered more towards a girl brain and the Proverbs devo caters to guys. What I mean by this is that Psalms is more emotionally involved and Proverbs is more black and white/rules to live by. It’s obviously important to have a balance of both in life, so I wouldn’t read one without the other, but it wasn’t the most engaging devo for me.
This is totally just my opinion and should not stop anyone from reading it!
July 31, 2019
An exceptional devotional. It’s an alternative to reading a chapter of Proverbs a day. In this book the first weeks examine the subject of wisdom. Then the proverbs are grouped into topics such as friendship, words, conflicts, and parenting. I highly recommend Keller’s book.
August 8, 2019
Want to find a year-long devotional on the book of Proverbs? Preacher and author Timothy Keller has written this 365 days devotionals on the book of Proverbs. This review is my overall thoughts on this devotional.
I’m rather cautious in using devotionals since most of my devotional reading comes from the Bible with a good Bible commentary but I appreciated that this devotional was aware we must get the meaning of the Biblical text rather than read our own interpretation incorrectly into a passage of Scripture. Keller’s introduction to the book of Proverbs include discussions of how to interpret the book of Proverbs and also the nature of the book of Proverbs. I appreciate that lest readers think the Bible is just some kind of book where we can chop up one or two verses to say whatever we want to say.
The first portion of the book tries to go by the order of the book of Proverbs of the first few chapters in Proverbs but towards the end the devotional is organized by topics or related subject. I think readers must realize this is because Proverbs is not an easy book to teach on verse by verse. I appreciate Keller ending each days’ devotional with applications and even some useful application questions.
There’s a lot of wisdom covered within the pages of this work. I appreciate the author’s call to readers to confess to God honestly. Topics of this book include personal life, family life and work life. The book addresses adultery and lusts, wealth, family and conflicts; also I found the devotionals related to communications was also very good.
Yet the book also had some drawbacks. There’s times I felt Timothy Keller talked about things that he didn’t have as strong of a grasp understanding. The most blatant example was one of his illustrations in which he said horses at one time almost made foot soldiers obsolete. As someone who loves to study history and military matters I don’t think Keller is correct. For starters Keller’s comment here can’t be correct that horses almost made foot soldiers obsolete because war often involves countries bringing to bear all their resources, time and energy to fielding a larger army than one’s opponent is an important factor of combat. Yet there’s limitation of how many horses are available in contrast to available military age fighting men in one’s population. Horses like any advancement in means of warfare also have its strength and weaknesses such as the difficulty of horses to operate in certain terrain; all that is to say that horses never threatened having foot infantry as obsolete. Also I thought Keller throughout the book often talk about finance and business in ways that haven’t been informed by an understanding of economics. For example there’s the generalization that it is wrong to pay employees the least amount possible when there’s also a lot more factors involved economically. There was also the sound bite from Keller that the Bible does not espousing capitalism nor socialism. But I think a better view is that Scripture espouses a form of capitalism if capitalism is defined by the dictionary as “an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.” I think it is also important to make a distinction between cronyism and capitalism.
Overall this devotional was helpful yet readers must beware that Keller’s discussion of money sometimes sounds like the mantra of social justice warriors. Practicing discernment is important.
I’m rather cautious in using devotionals since most of my devotional reading comes from the Bible with a good Bible commentary but I appreciated that this devotional was aware we must get the meaning of the Biblical text rather than read our own interpretation incorrectly into a passage of Scripture. Keller’s introduction to the book of Proverbs include discussions of how to interpret the book of Proverbs and also the nature of the book of Proverbs. I appreciate that lest readers think the Bible is just some kind of book where we can chop up one or two verses to say whatever we want to say.
The first portion of the book tries to go by the order of the book of Proverbs of the first few chapters in Proverbs but towards the end the devotional is organized by topics or related subject. I think readers must realize this is because Proverbs is not an easy book to teach on verse by verse. I appreciate Keller ending each days’ devotional with applications and even some useful application questions.
There’s a lot of wisdom covered within the pages of this work. I appreciate the author’s call to readers to confess to God honestly. Topics of this book include personal life, family life and work life. The book addresses adultery and lusts, wealth, family and conflicts; also I found the devotionals related to communications was also very good.
Yet the book also had some drawbacks. There’s times I felt Timothy Keller talked about things that he didn’t have as strong of a grasp understanding. The most blatant example was one of his illustrations in which he said horses at one time almost made foot soldiers obsolete. As someone who loves to study history and military matters I don’t think Keller is correct. For starters Keller’s comment here can’t be correct that horses almost made foot soldiers obsolete because war often involves countries bringing to bear all their resources, time and energy to fielding a larger army than one’s opponent is an important factor of combat. Yet there’s limitation of how many horses are available in contrast to available military age fighting men in one’s population. Horses like any advancement in means of warfare also have its strength and weaknesses such as the difficulty of horses to operate in certain terrain; all that is to say that horses never threatened having foot infantry as obsolete. Also I thought Keller throughout the book often talk about finance and business in ways that haven’t been informed by an understanding of economics. For example there’s the generalization that it is wrong to pay employees the least amount possible when there’s also a lot more factors involved economically. There was also the sound bite from Keller that the Bible does not espousing capitalism nor socialism. But I think a better view is that Scripture espouses a form of capitalism if capitalism is defined by the dictionary as “an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.” I think it is also important to make a distinction between cronyism and capitalism.
Overall this devotional was helpful yet readers must beware that Keller’s discussion of money sometimes sounds like the mantra of social justice warriors. Practicing discernment is important.
December 30, 2019
I loved this devotional! I have read through Keller's devotional through Psalms, and I find this one to be an excellent companion to it.
Keller wisely (pun intended) groups the devotionals into topics, rather than trying to go through Proverbs chapter by chapter. By including verses from different parts of the book in a day's devotional, he gives a greater balance and thoroughness to each, as he often includes wisdom sayings that give different perspectives on the same topic, or give further elaboration and illustration on the same topic.
Keller also includes some selections from other wisdom books, especially Ecclesiastes and Job, and ends during the Christmas season with insights from the New Testament and how Jesus is our ultimate source of wisdom.
I highly recommend this daily devotional! It will challenge you to think deeply and live wisely.
Keller wisely (pun intended) groups the devotionals into topics, rather than trying to go through Proverbs chapter by chapter. By including verses from different parts of the book in a day's devotional, he gives a greater balance and thoroughness to each, as he often includes wisdom sayings that give different perspectives on the same topic, or give further elaboration and illustration on the same topic.
Keller also includes some selections from other wisdom books, especially Ecclesiastes and Job, and ends during the Christmas season with insights from the New Testament and how Jesus is our ultimate source of wisdom.
I highly recommend this daily devotional! It will challenge you to think deeply and live wisely.
January 27, 2026
This is a GREATTT devo! I have a very biased negative opinion of devotional books, but I really really enjoyed this one. I think it was very rounded in using all the proverbs and other scriptures, an explanation of the proverbs, application, and Gospel encouragement. personally I think it allowed me to understand the proverbs deeper, specifically because I think a lot of them went over my head as I was reading and studying them, and it also can be very convicting at parts as it shows us a lot of how the proverbs point out sin, sin that was deeply rooted in the exhortation of the proverbs that I definitely missed.
If this devo is done daily, at max it will take 5 minutes which I think is super reasonable to go along with daily bible reading.
If this devo is done daily, at max it will take 5 minutes which I think is super reasonable to go along with daily bible reading.
January 11, 2019
My husband and I read this daily devotional together for 2018. Timothy Keller used the book of Proverbs as a series of little reflections and lessons about God, humans and how we are to respond to God, as well as, how we are to interact with other humans.
The daily reflections prompted good conversations between my husband and me.
We did not always agree with Keller’s thoughts, but overall this was a worthwhile read.
The daily reflections prompted good conversations between my husband and me.
We did not always agree with Keller’s thoughts, but overall this was a worthwhile read.
December 31, 2018
Enriching, strengthening, deepening.
January 4, 2020
Very nice, quick, meaningful devotionals
December 31, 2022
This is excellent writing that expounds on Proverbs and other Biblical passages about wisdom. I was challenged and greatly encouraged.
January 4, 2024
Classic Keller stuff, but without the time for him to really develop thoughts at times. Each devotional is one page, so it is extremely brief. Lots of great stuff though!
December 31, 2024
Good Morning Devotional
I enjoyed reading this brief devotional from the Kellers on Proverbs as part of my morning routine. I liked the daily format (reading, a personal question and a prayer).
I enjoyed reading this brief devotional from the Kellers on Proverbs as part of my morning routine. I liked the daily format (reading, a personal question and a prayer).
December 31, 2025
I’m not usually a fan of devotional books, but this one is a really good resource to use during daily Bible study. I love reading Proverbs, and with this book I truly understood many things I had been missing and really needed to explore more deeply🙌🏻
January 5, 2021
I love TK and have really enjoyed all of his books except this one.
If you want a great devotional, get Songs of Jesus by TK.
If you want a great devotional, get Songs of Jesus by TK.
October 1, 2020
A helpful way to approach Proverbs, full of real-world pastoral applications. Almost as good as the Kellers' 'My Rock, My Refuge year of devotions from the Psalms 😊...
October 16, 2018
This a a pretty great little devotional book. I especially enjoyed the first half of the book.
Currently reading
February 27, 2024Quotes:
The logic of the gospel—that you are an undeserving sinner and yet an unconditionally loved child of God at the same time—brings a unique combination of humility and confidence that makes you wise in a way nothing else can.
The logic of the gospel—that you are an undeserving sinner and yet an unconditionally loved child of God at the same time—brings a unique combination of humility and confidence that makes you wise in a way nothing else can.
January 17, 2026
Timothy Keller takes on a difficult task in trying to keep us engaged with the book of Proverbs for a whole year of daily readings. His method, as with most preachers, is not to go consecutively through the book but to group proverbs together topically. Unlike a preacher, however, who might address all the verses on, for example, words (or speech) in one sermon, Keller takes them one by one, even sometimes repeating them, in readings that cover nearly a month.
I have heard Timothy Keller speak hundreds of times online as well as a couple of times in person. I find his preaching almost without exception clear, engaging, insightful and helpful. It pains me, therefore, to say that I found this book, by comparison, rather disappointing. Perhaps one of the reasons lies in what the book attempts. It can be trying to keep returning to the same subject or sort of material in a devotional reading for a whole year.
I read the book for two consecutive years with my wife (Keller encourages us to read and discuss it with a friend or two). At times, a topic became just too unrelenting and I gave in and read something else. Nearly a whole month on ‘Words’ becomes repetitive. Almost the whole of September is taken up with ‘Marriage’ and ‘Sex’ and that follows a week earlier in the year focusing on ‘Lust’. There is a limit to the number of times I want to sit down, day after day, and talk over these subjects.
Despite the book’s subtitle, Keller includes readings from Job and Ecclesiastes. The last two weeks’ readings are all from the New Testament, focusing on ‘Knowing Jesus, the True Wisdom of God’—a refreshing and apt way to finish. There is a helpful ‘Introduction’, in which, Keller explains what kind of literature Biblical proverbs are and why they sometimes seem to contradict each other.
Each day, the text is quoted from the New International Version, then Keller briefly explains it before asking a pointed, applicatory question. The explanations are almost always helpful and clear but now and again the author did not take us with him. We could not see how he reached the point he was making from the proverb quoted.
The applicatory questions are often so pointed and specific that they are difficult to answer or not personally relevant. For example: “How gullible are you?” “How does pride distort your relationships?” “Be honest and admit whose life you wish you had.” “Where have you seen an example of a quiet, kind and meek person inheriting honor and power?” (American spelling and other Americanisms remain in the British edition.) Nevertheless, the questions did often lead to fruitful discussion, though it meant reframing or redirecting them.
The day’s reading ends with a prayer, often referring to Jesus or God in a way that links with the day’s theme. I did not often use these but reworded at least part of them as statements. This was because either they expressed something that was not relevant to us or because they read more naturally to me as statements. For example: “Lord, today I was very touchy with someone. Yes, I was tired and stressed out over many things. But so what? You were under far greater stress and never shot back an angry word. Let me wonder and praise you for your patience until it begins to grow in me. Amen.” This I might have reworded thus: ‘If you are tired or stressed and getting touchy, remember that Jesus, under stress, never shot back an angry word,’ before expressing the prayer contained in the second sentence.
With these caveats, I would recommend the book. It is worth persevering with, especially if you like devotional readings to be chewy. We certainly benefited from reading it.
I have heard Timothy Keller speak hundreds of times online as well as a couple of times in person. I find his preaching almost without exception clear, engaging, insightful and helpful. It pains me, therefore, to say that I found this book, by comparison, rather disappointing. Perhaps one of the reasons lies in what the book attempts. It can be trying to keep returning to the same subject or sort of material in a devotional reading for a whole year.
I read the book for two consecutive years with my wife (Keller encourages us to read and discuss it with a friend or two). At times, a topic became just too unrelenting and I gave in and read something else. Nearly a whole month on ‘Words’ becomes repetitive. Almost the whole of September is taken up with ‘Marriage’ and ‘Sex’ and that follows a week earlier in the year focusing on ‘Lust’. There is a limit to the number of times I want to sit down, day after day, and talk over these subjects.
Despite the book’s subtitle, Keller includes readings from Job and Ecclesiastes. The last two weeks’ readings are all from the New Testament, focusing on ‘Knowing Jesus, the True Wisdom of God’—a refreshing and apt way to finish. There is a helpful ‘Introduction’, in which, Keller explains what kind of literature Biblical proverbs are and why they sometimes seem to contradict each other.
Each day, the text is quoted from the New International Version, then Keller briefly explains it before asking a pointed, applicatory question. The explanations are almost always helpful and clear but now and again the author did not take us with him. We could not see how he reached the point he was making from the proverb quoted.
The applicatory questions are often so pointed and specific that they are difficult to answer or not personally relevant. For example: “How gullible are you?” “How does pride distort your relationships?” “Be honest and admit whose life you wish you had.” “Where have you seen an example of a quiet, kind and meek person inheriting honor and power?” (American spelling and other Americanisms remain in the British edition.) Nevertheless, the questions did often lead to fruitful discussion, though it meant reframing or redirecting them.
The day’s reading ends with a prayer, often referring to Jesus or God in a way that links with the day’s theme. I did not often use these but reworded at least part of them as statements. This was because either they expressed something that was not relevant to us or because they read more naturally to me as statements. For example: “Lord, today I was very touchy with someone. Yes, I was tired and stressed out over many things. But so what? You were under far greater stress and never shot back an angry word. Let me wonder and praise you for your patience until it begins to grow in me. Amen.” This I might have reworded thus: ‘If you are tired or stressed and getting touchy, remember that Jesus, under stress, never shot back an angry word,’ before expressing the prayer contained in the second sentence.
With these caveats, I would recommend the book. It is worth persevering with, especially if you like devotional readings to be chewy. We certainly benefited from reading it.
February 8, 2018
The full review was published on Spoiled Milks (February 1, 2018)
Many Christians use New Years resolutions to revamp their Bible reading. Tim and Kathy Keller have provided a daily devotional in the book of Proverbs (with some readings in other biblical texts). Proverbs requires a year (and more!) of daily consideration. It’s full of so much thought, and it is a book that reminds us that “you’ve never really thought enough about anything” (ix). Having just come out with a year devotional on Psalms, Keller says, “Psalms is about how to throw ourselves fully upon God in faith. Proverbs is about how, having trusted God, we should then live that faith out” (ix).
Proverbs are not truths that are true at all times. It is a “poetic art form that instills wisdom in you as you wrestle with it” (ix). Two ideas, sentences, or phrases are brought together to hit at a truth from different angles. They require you to wrestle with their meaning to know how to live. The reader is encouraged to read the book with someone else or with others. Most of the devotions end with a question to consider and a concluding prayer. Keller provides two other questions in the Introduction for the reader to consider each day:
1. Where in your life or the life of someone else have you seen this observation illustrated?
2. How can you put this observation into practice—in thought, attitude, word, or deed?
Instead of going straight through Proverbs, Keller organizes Proverbs into seven different sections.
1. Knowing Wisdom
2. Knowing God
3. Knowing the Heart
4. Knowing Others
5. Knowing the Times and Seasons
6. Knowing the Spheres (e.g., marriage, sex, parenting, money and work, power, justice)
7. Knowing Jesus, the True Wisdom of God
Keller doesn’t stop with Proverbs, but looks to Jesus. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and Jesus is the fulfillment of all wisdom. He is the “greater Solomon” (Lk 11.31).
Keller is insightful and convicting. In section six, when it comes to justice, Keller pinpoints talking about righteousness and justice when it comes to the poor, asking questions such as:
▪ “How are you building your character and relationship to God now, so that you will be able to do the sacrificial thing when the time comes?” (332)
Recommended?
If you’re looking for a new devotional book, I would recommend Keller’s God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life. Each chapter is short and only takes 1-2 minutes to read yet sometimes can take all day to consider. Keller helps us to consider the Bible each day more as God’s people. Have been made righteous in Christ, we should be living righteously before God and to others—our spouses, children, coworkers, and the poor among us. Having the wisdom of God available to us, we should work to gain more of his wisdom—to live well, to flourish in the new covenant, to serve, to work hard, to relax, to offer help, to be a good friend, to know what to do when difficult situations arise—to God’s glory.
Many Christians use New Years resolutions to revamp their Bible reading. Tim and Kathy Keller have provided a daily devotional in the book of Proverbs (with some readings in other biblical texts). Proverbs requires a year (and more!) of daily consideration. It’s full of so much thought, and it is a book that reminds us that “you’ve never really thought enough about anything” (ix). Having just come out with a year devotional on Psalms, Keller says, “Psalms is about how to throw ourselves fully upon God in faith. Proverbs is about how, having trusted God, we should then live that faith out” (ix).
Proverbs are not truths that are true at all times. It is a “poetic art form that instills wisdom in you as you wrestle with it” (ix). Two ideas, sentences, or phrases are brought together to hit at a truth from different angles. They require you to wrestle with their meaning to know how to live. The reader is encouraged to read the book with someone else or with others. Most of the devotions end with a question to consider and a concluding prayer. Keller provides two other questions in the Introduction for the reader to consider each day:
1. Where in your life or the life of someone else have you seen this observation illustrated?
2. How can you put this observation into practice—in thought, attitude, word, or deed?
Instead of going straight through Proverbs, Keller organizes Proverbs into seven different sections.
1. Knowing Wisdom
2. Knowing God
3. Knowing the Heart
4. Knowing Others
5. Knowing the Times and Seasons
6. Knowing the Spheres (e.g., marriage, sex, parenting, money and work, power, justice)
7. Knowing Jesus, the True Wisdom of God
Keller doesn’t stop with Proverbs, but looks to Jesus. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and Jesus is the fulfillment of all wisdom. He is the “greater Solomon” (Lk 11.31).
Keller is insightful and convicting. In section six, when it comes to justice, Keller pinpoints talking about righteousness and justice when it comes to the poor, asking questions such as:
▪ “How are you building your character and relationship to God now, so that you will be able to do the sacrificial thing when the time comes?” (332)
Recommended?
If you’re looking for a new devotional book, I would recommend Keller’s God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life. Each chapter is short and only takes 1-2 minutes to read yet sometimes can take all day to consider. Keller helps us to consider the Bible each day more as God’s people. Have been made righteous in Christ, we should be living righteously before God and to others—our spouses, children, coworkers, and the poor among us. Having the wisdom of God available to us, we should work to gain more of his wisdom—to live well, to flourish in the new covenant, to serve, to work hard, to relax, to offer help, to be a good friend, to know what to do when difficult situations arise—to God’s glory.
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