The book of Proverbs is filled with some of the best
known and widely quoted truisms in Scripture. I have known several people who
have taken to reading through the Proverbs once a month to continually gain
wisdom from the practical advice this book offers.
Warren Wiersbe, in the subtitle to Be Skillful accurately summarizes the
purpose of the book – God’s guidebook to the wise. Be Skillful is one of the classic books in Dr. Wiersbe’s BE commentary series, one of the most
loved layperson level commentaries I have ever seen.
As a student of theology, I am no stranger to Bible
commentaries. On the whole, I have found Dr. Wiersbe’s series to be both theologically
sound like compulsively readable. Wiersbe writes in a conversational style that
draws the reader in and holds his interest.
Wiersbe uses both a chapter by chapter and topical
approach in the commentary, providing a chapter by chapter look at Proverbs 1-7
while employing a topical methodology for the remainder. In light of the
literary structure of Proverbs, I found this to be a most useful method of
study.
Through the majority of the commentary, Wiersbe
lifts key themes from the Proverbs such as a chapter on popular sins
(disrespect, greed, pride, and so on), as well a study of Proverbs’ recurring
contrast of the wise and the wicked.
Study questions at the end of each chapter help the
thoughtful reader to more fully and accurately process the wealth of Wiersbe’s
material. In addition, the publishers of Be
Skillful – David C. Cook – also publish a great Bible study series built around
the commentary that would be great for either individual study or a Sunday
School curriculum
When it comes to commentaries, Wiersbe’s BE series is top-notch, and these new
editions published by David C. Cook only serve to further enhance and solidify
their reputation.
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