Provoking Proverbs: Wisdom and the Ten Commandments

 

Published by Concordia, who kindly sent me a copy to review, Provoking Proverbs by David Lawrence Coe takes the unique approach of linking biblical wisdom with the Ten Commandments.  

 

This study guide, which can be adapted for personal use and/or group discussion, displays bars and side bars laid out nicely, so readers can readily find what they’re looking for in a font that’s easy on the eyes.

 

In 160 pages, the paperback connects scriptures, quotes from Martin Luther, thought-provoking questions, and suggestions for applying biblical truths. Anyone interested in biblical wisdom in general and God’s guidance in particular will likely come to new insights as study progresses.

 

To give you an idea, Chapter 3 of Provoking Proverbs focuses on The Third Commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” The author then asks, “What does this mean?” and offers a response in a subsequent paragraph:

 

“If keeping the First Commandment is fearing, loving, and trusting in God with your heart, and keeping the Second Commandment is fear, loving, and trusting in God with your lips, then keeping the Third Commandment is fearing, loving, and trusting in God with your ears. Luther teaches that the Third Commandment is a gift of time given by God (1) for rest and refreshment after a week of work and (2) for hearing and learning God’s Word. In this chapter, we’ll learn that the Third Commandment pairs labor with leisure, vocation with vacation, and responsibility with recreation. God wants us to work hard and play hard.”

 

The chapter continues with relevant proverbs from the book of Proverbs, but also from other wisdom books in the Old Testament and the New. You’ll even find commonly accepted social proverbs often quoted by one’s parents or culture!

 

Then as with each chapter, a pertinent prayer concludes the discussion as does this one from Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation:

 

“We thank You, kind Father, that You give us time to hear Your Holy Word. Grant that fearing and loving You, we may set aside our work to receive Your Son’s words, which are spirit and life, and so, refreshed and renewed by the preaching of Your Gospel, we might live in the peace and quietness that come through faith alone; we ask it for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

 

May the Lord give us ample wisdom in the days to come.

 

Mary Harwell Sayler, ©2020, poet-writer, reviewer

 

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Big Bible Storybook

When The Catholic Children’s Bible Big Book on Moses and the Ten Commandments arrived as a review copy from Saint Mary’s Press, I thought the publisher might be sending me a poster about one of their many fine publications. Instead, I found an actual Bible storybook, measuring 14” x 21” with large print and illustrations a group of children can easily see as someone holds up the book.

To keep the teacher or classroom leader from getting a crick in the neck while reading, the back cover presents a full layout of all the inner pages and text, including a “Glossary” that defines such words as “commandment.” Or, children on a grade 2 to 3 reading level might be asked to take turns reading and turning pages while a group leader follows along behind the scene.

In addition to helping children interact with Bible people and stories, this innovative book includes the section “Guiding Comprehension Questions” to encourage participation and keep the discussion on topic and on track.

© 2014, Mary Sayler, reviewer

The Catholic Children’s Bible: Moses and the Ten Commandments Big Book, 14” x 21” in paperback



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