In many ways, Proverbs is similar to the wisdom literature of the wider Ancient Near East.

However, while the book initially appears to consist primarily of practical advice, it demonstrates that wisdom is grounded in a relationship with God. Lindsay Wilson shows how the first nine chapters provide a reading guide for the many proverbs in subsequent chapters; and how the fear of the Lord, choosing wisdom rather than folly, and having our characters formed by good choices are crucial for understanding Proverbs as Christian Scripture and living out our faith in daily life.

Part of the Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries series designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text says and what it means.

Lindsay Wilson is Academic Dean and Senior Lecturer in Old Testament at Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia. He is the author of Job (THOTC) and co-editor of Exploring Old Testament Wisdom.