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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Eyewitness: The Visual Bible Experience

 

In Eyewitness: The Visual Bible Experience, which Group Publishing kindly sent me to review, author Jeff White offers a first-person perspective for each of the 39 Bible people represented in this sturdily bound picture book for adults.

 

The size (11.5 x 8” horizontally), heft (in pounds, not ounces), and colorful illustrations (120 original works of art by 16 artists from around the world) make this an ideal “coffee table” book with 256 pages to leaf through and read at leisure. However, the fictionalized voice of each Bible person telling his or her own story will most likely make you want to keep reading.

 

For example, Adam tells about “A First For Everything” in the opening story based on Genesis chapters 1 and 2:

 

“Before the beginning, there was God.

There was no time. No light or dark. No breath, no death. Nothing.

Just God.

Then God decided: it was time for a beginning.

God spoke, and Nothing became a universe of Everything….”

 

Following a biblical timeline, subsequent Bible stories speak for Eve, the Patriarchs, Matriarchs, and lesser-known people, too, with scriptural references for each. If you’ve read Bible stories as a child or to your children, you’ll see most of the same people have been included, but with factual data we never heard about in childhood.

 

For instance, Moses’ story confesses his having murdered an Egyptian for beating a Hebrew slave, covering it up, then becoming a fugitive. Yet God reveals Himself to Moses and calls him to lead His people out of slavery and into a kingdom where “God’s 10 Instructions For The Ultimate Life” would guide them. From Exodus 20:

 

“These are the words God spoke to His people:

1. I am your God, and your only God.
2. Do not idolize anyone or anything but me….
3. Do not use my name in a way that’s disrespectful or hurtful.
4. Set aside one holy day every week to rest and focus on me.
5. Treat your mother and father with respect….
6. Never murder anyone.
7. Never cheat on your spouse.
8. Never take anything that doesn’t belong to you.
9. Never lie about someone else or spread gossip.
10. Never long for things that belong to other people.”
    
    

The stories continue with Rahab, Ruth and Naomi, David, Solomon, Esther, and a few of the prophets before taking a timely turn to narrations by Mary and the apostles who also have experiences with the Lord to share. But the stories told from Jesus’ viewpoint especially intrigued me.

 

As a writer and lifelong student of the Bible, I’ve often written Bible-based manuscripts and even planned to write (and maybe illustrate) a Bible storybook for adults someday. However, the idea of taking on Jesus’ perspective, which seems intimidating to me, apparently did not deter Jeff White!

 

For example, in “Higher Standards,” Jesus (through Jeff) has this to say:

 

“My followers are different from everyone else. They’re salt in a world that has no flavor. They’re light in a world filled with darkness. People will see God at work because of the compassionate things you do. So be salt! Be light!”

 

And in “God’s Kingdom,” we have this perspective from Jesus:

 

“When I talk about God’s kingdom, here’s what I mean.

 

“My Father’s kingdom isn’t made up of money and possessions. Those things are temporary and can be lost. True riches transcend the physical world, and they’re the only kind that have any lasting value.

 

“When you focus on the things of God, it’s like a bright light that lets you see as clearly as day. But money and possessions can make you blind to what really matters….”

 

The many stories continuing from the perspective of Jesus and His followers invite us into their conversations and experiences as though we, too, are there in Eyewitness: The Visual Bible Experience - a "coffee table” book you’ll actually want to read.

 

Mary HarwellSayler, ©2020, poet-writer, Bible reviewer, and lifelong lover of God and His word

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Click the link to order a copy of Eyewitness: The Visual Bible Experience 

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NIV Personal Size Large Print Reference Bible

Although I’m blessed to receive review copies of new editions from most of the Bible publishers, I liked the NIV Personal Size Large Print Reference Bible so much that I bought my own copy! 

This reader edition of the New International Version of the Bible comes in soft calfskin, which my fingers prefer and in an easy-to-read 12-point print, which my eyes prefer. 

I also like the clearly visible end-of-paragraph references better than the more common center or side-column references. Since those relevant references are right there, I don’t have to squint to find small-font references somewhere else, which means I’m more apt to look them up and see how God’s word often weaves interconnections. 

Two ribbon markers are nice to have too, especially when reading/ studying the Old Testament (OT) aka Hebrew Bible and New Testament (NT) at the same sitting. 

In this edition, the actual words of Jesus become more visible in red, which emphasizes how outstanding they are! Also, the eight pages of color maps stand out for those of us who are geographically challenged. 

Once again, Zondervan has published a quality edition of the Bible in the highly readable NIV that we’ll want to read again and again. 

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

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One Year Chronological Bible Expressions

 

The One Year Chronological Bible Expressions published by Tyndale House places scriptures in sequential order with the Gospels interwoven and the psalms, books of prophecy, and historical books grouped as they occurred. 

As the Introduction tells us:

 

“…after you read in 1 Samuel 19:1-17 about the time David escaped the soldiers who were sent to capture him…, you will immediately read in Psalm 59 how David pours out his heart to God in response to this situation… When you read one of the Gospel writer’s accounts of something Jesus said or did (for instance, Mark 14:12-16…) you will also be able to see what the other Gospel writers recorded for this event (for instance, Matthew 26:17-19 and Luke 22:7-13). When you read the letters of Paul, you will see how they fit into the framework of his missionary journeys recorded in the book of Acts. You will be able to see how various passages fit together into a single, unfolding story.”

Since the text follows the New Living Translation (NLT), the contemporary language makes us feel as though we’re there.

In addition to reconnecting relevant parts of the Bible and providing clearer context for our God-story, this edition includes over 100 drawings to color and creatively express your responses to the scriptures. The wide margins include lines for penciling in thoughts and prayers, making this Bible personal and also an appealing gift for loved ones.

 

Mary Harwell Sayler, ©2020, poet-writer, Bible Reviewer, and lifelong lover of God’s Word

 

Click here to order the One Year Chronological Bible Expressions!

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KJV Sword Study Bible

 
After learning Whitaker House had published the KJV Sword Study Bible with the direct words of God in red, I just had to order a copy. Although many New Testaments can be found with Jesus’ words in red, I’d never seen a red-letter edition of the Old Testament.

That unique feature gave reason enough to buy the KJV Sword Study Bible, but this edition offers many more special helps. For example, the King James Version of the biblical text has an “easy read format,” aka KJVER, which means archaic words such as “oft” have been updated to “often,” verbs have lost their “th” or “st” endings, and second person pronouns “thee” and “thou” have been changed to “you.”

These minimal changes do indeed make the text easy to follow, especially since uncommonly used words have a contemporary synonym directly below the verse in which that word appears. For instance, in Genesis, “dominion” is underlined with the its equivalent “authority” in the space between verses.

Another unique feature occurs in marginal markings, covering about 100 topics divided into three categories. As the Introduction explains:

“For example, the G heading is for those verses relating to God and the many attributes of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Since God has a plan, the verses that illustrate His plan or reflect Him implementing His plan, go under the P heading. Verses that speak of God using man are found under the M heading.”

Then

“At the bottom of each marginal reference line is a number. This number directs you to the next page on which the study of the subject continues.”

In addition to the Introduction, the front matter includes:

A Basic Outline of Old Testament History

The Names and Attributes of God

Definitions of Biblical Terms Rarely Used Today

Word Changes

In the latter, for instance, we see a four-page list of updated words such as “astonied – astonished” and “yesternight – last night.” Also, the changes of verbs from “speakest” to “speak” and “taketh” to “take” have been included.

The section “Between the Testaments,” which is appropriately named for its location, discusses various empires and influences. Then the page “Margin Study Reference & Guide” highlights that feature and encourages readers to “Follow the references – subject by subject – through the Bible. Make and mark your own special subject you want to know about.” Several pages then follow, enabling readers to readily find a topic of interest.

In the extensive back matter, the “Treasury of Biblical Information” begins with articles occasionally of a controversial nature, which I would have preferred to be excluded. However, they’re followed by helpful study aids, such as the “Names and Titles of Jesus Christ,” a “Detailed Chronology of the Acts,” “Messianic Prophecies of the Old Testament and their New Testament Fulfillment in Christ,” a list of primary “Events of the Bible,” a thorough concordance, and clear black and white maps, including one I especially appreciate, “Major Nations of the Bible Then and Now.”

Since I bought a copy the KJV Sword Study Bible myself, I ordered my favorite perks: a genuine leather cover, 15-point font, and thumb indexing. If you click onto the above hotlinks, you will find that same KJVER edition, which I highly recommend.

 

Mary HarwellSayler, ©2020, poet-writer, Bible Reviewer, and lifelong lover of God’s Word.

 

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Every Day Bible: 365 Readings Through the Whole Bible

Published by Crossway, who kindly sent me a copy to review, the Every Day Bible: 365 Readings Through the Whole Bible weaves together scriptures from the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament with text from the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible.

This highly acclaimed word-for-word translation is, as the Preface tells us, “essentially literal” with a goal “to reproduce the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer.” As a writer myself, I appreciate the aim to retain the tone or voice of biblical writers, which clearly differentiates the long, complex sentences of the Apostle Paul from the brief, practical statements of James or poetic voice of John.

I wish this nice edition showed which verses are on which page in case we want to find a particular passage. Also, I’m interested in how the producers of the book decided which portions of scripture would be placed on which page. Was this, for instance, random or were themes intended to be developed or was each date for a day’s reading influential? (Looking at the readings for December 25^th, however, I’d have to say the latter is unlikely.)

Regardless of the emphasis I might have had, the publisher succeeded well in carrying out its own excellent purpose and “goal of helping you engage with God’s Word every day of the year. Each daily reading can be completed in approximately fifteen minutes, and includes a passage from the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs.”

The handy book size, clear font, and slick cover encourage reading, and the large lettering used for each day of the year helps readers to find their place easily by a quick glance at a calendar. More important, the quality of the book should support years of use as this unusual paperback actually has a Smyth-sewn binding!

If you’ve been looking for a scripturally-sound devotional book and/or a reminder to read the Bible every day, I highly recommend combining both with the Every Day Bible: 365 Readings Through the Whole Bible from Crossway.

Mary HarwellSayler, ©2020, poet-writer, and Bible reviewer eagerly awaits review copies of the next new editions or translations of the Bible – especially in large print!

 

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Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable

Published by Bethany House, who kindly sent me a copy to review, the Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable by Dr. William H. Marty focuses primarily on the parables of Jesus, which He frequently used to teach. But why did He? As the author explains in the Introduction:

Jesus “used parables to draw his audience into the story. Once they identified with the characters, he would make a point, usually with an unexpected development.”

That literary technique can still work well in delivering sermons and other types of writing aimed toward revealing biblical truths. In this book, however, Dr. Marty brings insights to Bible parables we have read often enough to think we’ve gleaned all the biblical truths they contain. Not!

For example, in the very familiar parable “The Sower and the Soils,” the author highlights “A Surprising Harvest” with this comment:

“Jesus’ stories always include a surprising twist, and that’s the good news in this parable. A quarter of the seed fell on good soil, and the harvest was incredible. The seed produced a crop of a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was planted. The harvest was far above what farmers could expect – in first century Israel, most farmers would have been satisfied with a yield of ten percent.”

In this same first chapter, a chart address the parables, their meanings, and the “take-away” or Kingdom truth. As we consider the parable of The Sower, for example, the meaning relates to “The competing obstacles to the proclamation of the Word of God” while the Kingdom truth points out “The remarkable growth of the kingdom of God in spite of competing obstacles.”

The chapter “The Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price” discusses two parables beginning with “The kingdom of heaven is like….” In one, “The man who found the hidden treasure was probably a field hand. It’s unlikely he was digging in another man’s field. He was most likely working for the land owner when he accidentally discovered a buried treasure. Throughout Israel’s history, the land had been overrun by invading armies. When there was a threat of invasion, people would often protect their treasure by burying it in the ground.”

The other parable talks about a merchant or jeweler who was “actively searching for the perfect pearl.” Both of these stories “make the same point about the matchless value of the kingdom. I think, however, we can also make a valid point about how the worker and the merchant found the kingdom: the worker found the buried treasure by chance; the merchant found the perfect pearl after a diligent search. Point: People discover the kingdom in different ways.”

Following this and every other parable, the author includes a section entitled “Reflect” with questions for readers to consider in applying these biblical truths to their own lives. After the parables of the pearls, for instance, one of the questions for reflection is “What were the circumstances of your coming to faith in Christ? Was it intentional or unintentional?”

This chapter concludes, as do the rest, with a memory verse – in this case Matthew 6:33:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Some chapters, such as “The Vine and the Branches,” include “Optional” questions to ask ourselves and/or additional comments. For example:

“Jesus’ teaching about the vine and the branches is the basis for the concept of ‘union with Christ’ that Paul and other writers explain as the fundamental union for all the benefits we have received as believers.”

The “Memory Verse” reminds us of Jesus’ timeless word to His followers:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

 

Mary HarwellSayler, ©2020, poet-writer, Bible reviewer

 

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