A Topical Treasury of Proverbs

Book Overview

Understand Proverbs more completely. Unlike a word search, a topical approach inspires the reader with all the verses about a particular category. Here you will find A Topical Treasury of Proverbs to be both complete and compelling.

For example, consider the topic Laziness. Words such as sluggard, slothful, sleepy, and slacker are highlighted in this book to help you more fully understand the concept of laziness. These additional words engage our imaginations – the apathetic sloth and the unmoving slug are word pictures used in Proverbs to encourage and motivate us to action.

I look at the book of Proverbs as an excellent example of the Bible's beauty. Comparisons, that is those ideas that are either complimentary with or diametrically opposed to one another, are abundantly spread throughout Proverbs. These comparisons are beautifully arranged into literary structures called aphorisms, typically one-verse rhythms. It is through these comparative arrangements that the Lord convicts us – it's beautiful.

In this example, the comparison is a contrast between two types of people (those with integrity and those with perversity) and two different consequences (‘live securely’ and ‘found out’).

The beauty of Proverbs is then found in its simplistic comparisons and the vibrant selection of word pictures. That is what moves us from ones who read to ones that are convicted.

The challenge that Proverbs presents is that the topics are scattered. Throughout much of Proverbs, adjoining verses seem totally unrelated. The topic that was presented in one verse may re-appear in several verses or even several chapters with no apparent pattern.

Throughout the Bible, increased repetition of a topic is generally equated with greater importance. An isolated thought is much less important than one that is repeated frequently. Finding the related verses in Proverbs can be a problem.

That is where A Topical Treasury of Proverbs adds value. By organizing the passages of Proverbs into 100 topics and then adding bold to key words, you will see how the inspiration of the verses becomes more pronounced. When these verses are seen together, you will see God's own heart more clearly as He reveals His pointed directions for your life and the lives of others.

“I have been so blessed by my daily readings from this book. Subjects chosen are clear and contemporary and give the reader a comprehensive teaching on each subject; includes a daily reading plan of Proverbs by subject and a verse listing of every topic in each verse. The book is an excellent contribution to an understanding of the book of Proverbs. I am amazed at the depth of research that has been put into this book – the time spent on each verse to classify subjects is truly remarkable.”
Dr. J. Lee Simmons, President, Missio University