Proverbs: A Shorter Commentary

by Bruce K. Waltke, Ivan D. V. De Silva

An abridged and revised version of Bruce Waltke's magisterial two-volume NICOT commentary on the book of Proverbs 

Since 2004, Bruce Waltke's magisterial two-volume NICOT commentary on the book of Proverbs has been recognized as a definitive exegesis of the Hebrew text, groundbreaking in its illuminating analysis that the authors and redactors of Proverbs had organized their material into discernible clusters and groupings. Waltke and Ivan De Silva here offer an abridged and revised version of the preeminent commentary, which is more accessible to students, pastors, and Bible readers in general. In place of a technical analysis of the Hebrew text, Waltke and De Silva interpret the translated text, while also including their own theological reflections and personal anecdotes where appropriate. A topical index is added to help expositors with a book that is difficult to preach or teach verse by verse. 

At its heart, this shorter commentary on Proverbs preserves the exegetical depth, erudition, and poetic insight of Waltke's original and maintains the core conviction that the ancient wisdom of Proverbs holds profound, ongoing relevance for Christian faith and life today.

667 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2021

About the author

Bruce K. Waltke is Distinguished Professor of Old Testament at Knox Theological Seminary, Fort Lauderdale, and professor emeritus of biblical studies at Regent College, Vancouver.

Reviews

[Cameron Barham]

“Solomon points to God’s wisdom, which enables the world to endure in such a finely balanced manner. The application, then, is that the same wisdom which established a creation that endures is also what is needed, and what is available, to establish a life that will endure. The Creator made humans with eyes and ears in order to grasp wisdom (20:12).”, p. 24-25

[Dan Mays]

This was very manageable and edifying read.

This commentary thrived in the introduction and the first 9 chapters. And well worth the read simply for those sections.

Chapters 10-31 were good too, but I got the most from the first part.

[Tim Sheppard]

Helps to see the broader themes come together. The word studies helped for understanding Proverbs better.

[Sean Perron]

Okay. This is the one commentary on Proverbs you should buy. I think it’s the gold standard.

[Mark]

A shortened form of a longer commentary. Excellent and exceptional serial treatment of proverbs which I read devotionally over a period of several months. HIGHLY recommend!