'Proverbs is the fountainhead of the wisdom movement, providing 'old things and new,'' explains Dr. Roland E. Murphy.

Extensive analysis of the grammar, structure and meaning of each passage with a strong emphasis on exegesis. Strengthens the reader's theological understanding of Scripture upon the solid foundation of scholarship.

Dr . Murphy admits that during his career as a scholar he did 'almost anything else with wisdom literature except write a commentary on this book.'

Drawing upon a distinguished academic career, Dr. Murphy now shares his vast insight into Wisdom Literature in this fresh translation and in-depth discussion. Dr. Murphy approaches Proverbs as 'a collection of collections,... Prefaced by an introduction (Chapters 1-9). The long poems of Chapters 1-9 serve to introduce the collections of short sayings in Chapters 10-31, which make up most of the book of Proverbs. With this division the writer accepts 'the unproven but likely assumption' that during the postexilic period chapters 1-9' set the tone' for the mostly prexilic collections in Chapters 10-31.

Murphy cautions his readers to consider the limitations of proverbial saying,. The Israelite sages sought in their optimistic teachings to express 'the mystery that surrounds all human action: not only self-knowledge, but knowledge of the mysterious role of God.' Much of the wisdom of Proverbs points out the ambiguities of life. Yet the proverbs do not provide the final word; 'rather they act as a goad, a prod to further thought.'

This treament of Proverbs will be invaluable to clergy and lay readers who desire a penetrating study of the book. The writer leads us through all the types of proverbs: instructions, exhortations of a parent/teacher, speeches of personified Wisdom, and short sayings.

'Israelite wisdom is more practical than theoretical. It attempts to persuade, cajole, threaten, of command a particular attitude or course of action.

... When the sage says 'listen,' 'hear,' the meaning is 'obey.' 'Roland Murhy, in this new commentary, helps us uncover this practical message of Proverbs.