This commentary on Proverbs and Ecclesiastes demonstrates the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible for today's church.

Kathleen Farmer's work on the Books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes constitute a single volume in the International Theological Commentary, a series whose goal is to bring the Old Testament alive in the worldwide church. In moving behyond the usual critical-historical approach to the bible, the ITC offers a distinctive theological interpretation of the Hebrew text.

Presents a modern translation of the books of Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament, providing an annotation and commentary for each verse.

"A comprehensive guide to contemporary Christian artists, and to secular artists whose faith has affected their life and work"--Back cover of accompanying book. Also includes information about the bands and trends in contemporary Christian music.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." In the Wisdom literature of the Bible we first hear the cool voice of a teacher calling us to think--to think hard and humbly. "How long will fools hate knowledge?" cries Wisdom in the book of Proverbs. Then in Job comes the anguished voice of the questioner, earnest enough to seek answers, honest enough to doubt easy ones. In Ecclesiastes the chastened tone of the Preacher warns of the vanity of all life under the sun. Sensitive to both literary form and theological content, Derek Kidner introduces Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes, explaining their basic character and internal structure. He also summarizes and evaluates the wealth of modern criticism focused on each book. Looking at all three books together, Kidner shows how their many voices compare, contrast and ultimately give a unified view of life. Kidner extends his analysis to include Ecclesiasticus and The Wisdom of Solomon from the Apocrapha, and he reprints excerpts from non-Israelite works that parallel the three major books treated.

"How can I find the right path to take in life?" " What things matter most, and how can I make sure I don't miss them?" People in every place and time have asked these crucial questions, and they've collected wise sayings to help guide them to the answers. In his inspired word, God has given us three books of wisdom sayings: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and James. They provide his answers to these questions from three different but complementary perspectives. This study guide will introduce groups to the rich treasures of wisdom in these books and enable members to apply the truths they discover to their own lives. The Understanding the Books of the Bible series enables groups to take a new approach to studying the Bible together. Instead of following artificial chapter and verse divisions, these Bible study guides lead groups through whole books following their natural outlines and flow. They pose engaging questions for discussion with personal applications all along the way, leading to a community Bible experience.

In this new volume in the Belief series, Amy Plantinga Pauw reveals how the biblical books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, while often overlooked, are surprisingly relevant for Christian faith today. Both biblical books probe everyday human experiences. They speak to those who seek meaning and purpose in an uncertain world and encourage us to look for God's presence in human life, not in divine visions or messages. They show openness to wisdom insights from many sources, urging us to find the commonalities and connections of our wisdom with those of our religious neighbors. Ultimately, these books affirm that true wisdom, whatever its human source, comes from God. Pauw includes reflections for preaching and teaching throughout her study.