A Life That Is Good: The Message of Proverbs in a World Wanting Wisdom

by Glenn Pemberton

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2018

Overview

Somewhere out there is the “good life,” and we’re all scrambling to get it. Glenn Pemberton maintains in this book that we find the so-called good life not in good things but in living well—and the biblical book of Proverbs teaches us how to live that life.

Though based on solid biblical scholarship, A Life That Is Good is not a textbook, commentary, or comprehensive study. It is instead a readable, practical guide to the wisdom found in the ancient book of Proverbs—wisdom on everyday living, speech, relationships, justice, money, and much more. Pastors and church groups in particular will love and benefit from this relevant guide regarding the message of Proverbs for today’s world.

Key Features

• Grounded in solid biblical scholarship
• Written in an accessible and practical style that helps the reader learn how to best read the Book of Proverbs
• Guides the reader to understand the purpose and function of Proverbs

Contents

• Part One: The Sages, Their Book, and Wisdom
  • The Sages and Their Book
  • The Women of Proverbs and Proverbs 1-9
  • The Proverb and Proverbs 10-31
• Part Two: Major Concepts in Wisdom
  • Deforming Character: How to Become a Fool
  • What’s God Got to Do with It?: Searching for God in Proverbs
  • Justice and Mercy: The Wisdom of Merciful Justice
• Part Three: Applied Topics for a Life That Is Good
  • Speech: A Kiss on the Lips or a Club to the Head?
  • If I Were a Poor Man: Wealth and Poverty
  • Which Way Did They Go? The Wisdom to Lead
• Part Four: Relationships in a Life That Is Good
  • Destroying and Creating Friends: Wisdom for Relationships
  • Mom, Dad, and the Kids: Family Values in Proverbs

Top Highlights

“Ecclesiastes provides the clues we need to determine the sage’s source of information” (Page 8)

“Nor did they appeal to the Torah for information or authority, like the priests” (Page 8)

“as a whole with expertise, to live a life that is good” (Page 10)

Praise for the Print Edition

I have been impressed with Dr. Pemberton’s thinking and writing for a long time. In particular, his previous studies of the Psalms, especially the laments and psalms of confidence, have opened up for me new dimensions of understanding. Dr. Pemberton is helpful because he allows his real-life experience to inform his study, so he can explain to us not only about the meaning of the biblical text in its ancient context, but also how that ancient meaning impacts us today.

— Tremper Longman III, Distinguished Scholar and Professor Emeritus at Westmont College, from the Foreword

Product Details

• Title: A Life that Is Good: The Message of Proverbs in a World Wanting Wisdom
• Author: Glenn Pemberton
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 2018
• Pages: 254
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Topic: Wisdom Literature

About Glenn Pemberton

Glenn Pemberton is a minister turned professor turned writer who most recently taught Old Testament studies at Abilene Christian University. His other books include Hurting with God: Learning to Lament with the Psalms.