Proverbs For You

The books in the …For You series are not commentaries. This is not my interpretation. This is self-stated in the series preface. The series is designed for individual or group studies on the scripture, and they are very well done.

So, what should you know about this particular volume? You should know that Kathleen Nielson has done a fantastic job of teaching a difficult book. If I could summarize her approach to Proverbs in one word, I would say, “accessible.”

Proverbs, as a text is a collective of thoughts across multiple movements. The structure is not consistent, and the flow of thought is broken with starts and stops of new ideas. Nielson pulls things together in a thirteen-part study that helps to make sense of the work as a whole and in its parts. She walks the reader through the text drawing attention to unifying themes and empowering her audience to see and understand what the Bible is saying. Nielson beautifully walks that fine line of exposing the text without burying it in her own thoughts.

It is a gift to deliver substance in a friendly and welcoming read. Nielson’s contributions are insightful and perfectly delivered. She is conversational without dumbing things down or getting sidetracked. If you are looking to study the book of Proverbs, this is an excellent option.