WISDOM FOR LIVING
62 days of devotions based on the Book of Proverbs
By Selwyn Hughes. CWR. 210 pages. £6.99
ISBN 978-1-85345-558-2
This compact book previously appeared as Every day with Jesus, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom and the Scripture passage to be studied each day is included in the book.
These do not run consecutively, but since the whole of Proverbs in the Holman Christian Standard Version is included, I would recommend that the reader begins with a complete reading. Obviously a book of 210 pages cannot include interpretations of each proverb, so reading a commentary alongside this book is, in my mind, essential.
Some might conclude that Proverbs has much in common with many ‘self-help’ books and following its advice will make for a safe and prosperous society without reference to God. Selwyn Hughes joins the writers of Proverbs in urging the reader to discover that ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’ (1.8), then pointing to Christ, ‘the wisdom of God’ (1Corinthians 1.24).
The heart of the book explores seven characteristics of the wise person — Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Helpful advice about trust, integrity, purity, generosity, diligence, watchfulness with words, and friendship, is given anecdotally with some reference to other Scriptures.
The author writes in an easy-to-read, conversational style which will appeal to most ages. Its strength lies in studying a biblical book which is often misused and undervalued, but perhaps, in this volume, we are allowed to focus more on ourselves than on God. It is true that the teaching about God in Proverbs is hidden within practical advice, but learning first about the God who wants us to know him through Christ, and then working out that covenant relationship with his help, would be closer to the ‘motto’ of Proverbs: ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding’ (9.10).
Linda Mawson,
Headley Park Church, South Bristol
