How blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding.
Proverbs 3:13
| Proverbs Overview | ||||||
| Purpose of Proverbs 1:1-7 |
Proverbs to Youth 1:8-9:18 |
Proverbs of Solomon 10:1-24:34 |
Proverbs of Solomon (Hezekiah) 25:1-29:27 |
Words of Agur 30:1-30:33 |
Words of Lemuel 31:1-31:31 |
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| Father's Exhortations |
First Collection of Solomon |
Second Collection of Solomon |
Numerical Proverbs |
Wisdom for Leaders 31:1-9 |
Virtuous Wife 31:10-31 |
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| Title: Proverbs 1:1 |
Precepts of Wisdom |
Proverbs of Solomon |
Proverbs Copied by Hezekiah's Men | Proverbs of Agur |
Proverbs of Lemuel 31:1-9 |
Capable Wife 31:10-31 |
| Theme: Proverbs 1:7 |
Wisdom for Young Men |
Proverbs for Everyone |
Personal Notes from Agur & Lemuel |
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| Prologue | Principles of Wisdom | Epilogue | ||||
| Commend Wisdom |
Counsel of Wisdom |
Comparisons of Wisdom |
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Explanation - The following list includes not only commentaries but other Christian works by well known evangelical writers. Most of the resources below are newer works (written after 1970) which previously were available only for purchase in book form or in a Bible computer program. The resources are made freely available by archive.org but have several caveats - (1) they do not allow copy and paste, (2) they can only be checked out for one hour (but can be checked out immediately when your hour expires giving you time to read or take notes on a lengthy section) and (3) they require creating an account which allows you to check out the books free of charge. To set up an account click archive.org and then click the picture of the person in right upper corner and enter email and a password. That's all you have to do. Then you can read these more modern resources free of charge! I have read or used many of these resources but not all of them so ultimately you will need to be a Berean (Acts 17:11+) as you use them. I have also selected works that are conservative and Biblically sound. If you find one that you think does not meet those criteria please send an email at https://www.preceptaustin.org/
The book of Proverbs by Waltke, Bruce
Cyril Barber - Within these covers readers are treated to an exposition that lays bare a lifetime of scholarship. Waltke elucidates the structure, authorship, and theology of the book of Proverbs, giving prominence to the contribution of exegesis to exposition. He then carefully applies the teaching of each verse and section to the life of the believer. This is a work that Bible students will treasure!
The wisdom of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes : an introduction to wisdom literature by Kidner, Derek (1985) 180 pages 70 ratings
James Rosscup - An introduction to wisdom writings, touching on themes, and treating readers to recent thought on wisdom literature. He looks at the biblical material alongside apocryphal wisdom sources and parallels in ancient Near Eastern works. He often helps on proverbs that seem to clash, and has insights on how to view the ones that generalize and do not work in some cases. Chapters of this evangelical effort deal with Old Testament wisdom literature, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, recent thought and evaluation of higher critical studies, and the correlation of Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes in certain ways. Three appendices treat each Old Testament wisdom writing in relation to Near Eastern works. Kidner also shows comparisons and differences between Ecclesiasticus, Wisdom of Solomon and the Old Testament books. Cf. Bullock under Job for another outstanding study of the Old Testament poetic literature.
Cornerstone Biblical Commentary - Psalms, Proverbs Read some of the 13 ratings
Proverbs : Wisdom for Everyday Life by Kaiser, Walter C
Learning from the Sages. Baker, 1995.Zuck, Roy B.
Part 1 - Overview and Themes in the Book of Proverbs (10 chapters - e.g., "The Vocabulary of Wealth and Poverty in the Book of Proverbs Pr 10:1-22:16 and Pr 25-29 by Whybray, Guidelines for Understanding and Proclaiming the Book of Proverbs - 20 pages by Greg W Parsons) Part 2 - Exposition of Specific Passages in the Book of Proverbs - 21 chapters) 449 pages (1995)
Proverbs : God's guide for life's choices by Kroll, Woodrow Michael
The ABC's of wisdom : building character with Solomon by Pritchard, Ray
Windows of Wisdom : Devotional Studies in Proverbs by Olford, Stephen
Be Skillful : God's Guidebook to Wise Living : OT Commentary : Proverbs by Wiersbe, Warren W
James Rosscup - The “Be” series deals with Prov. 1–9, giving frequent illustrations and terse Wiersbe maxims, in chapters contrasting wisdom/folly, wealth/poverty, also dealing with speech, righteousness, guidance, besetting sins such as disrespect, greed, pride, etc. Preachers, students, and lay users will gain some enrichment.
Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament - scroll to page 1054
With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe - 428 ratings
Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament by Wiersbe, Warren W 113 ratings
"Even the most difficult Scriptures come alive as Warren Wiersbe leads you book-by-book through the Old Testament and helps you to see the "big picture" of God's revelation. In this unique volume, you will find: • Introductions and/or outlines for every Old Testament book • Practical expositions of strategic chapters • Special studies on key topics, relating the Old Testament to the New Testament • Easy-to-understand expositions that are practical, preachable, and teachable If you have used Dr. Wiersbe's popular BE series, you know how simple and practical his Bible studies are, with outlines that almost teach themselves. If not, you can now discover a wonderful new resource. This work is a unique commentary on every book of the Old Testament. It contains new material not to be found in the BE series.
The Communicator's Commentary. Proverbs by Hubbard, David Allan (Now published as Preacher's Commentary)
Proverbs by Aitken, Kenneth T
James Rosscup - Within these covers readers are treated to an exposition that lays bare a lifetime of scholarship. Waltke elucidates the structure, authorship, and theology of the book of Proverbs, giving prominence to the contribution of exegesis to exposition. He then carefully applies the teaching of each verse and section to the life of the believer. This is a work that Bible students will treasure!
Proverbs : from Biblical Text-- to Contemporary Life by Koptak, Paul E.,
Selected Studies from Proverbs by Swindoll, Charles
Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee - Proverbs - Malachi Proverbs by McGee, J. Vernon
Proverbs : a Commentary on an Ancient book of Timeless Advice by Alden, Robert L
Living Wisely in a Foolish World - PROVERBS - by House, H. Wayne
Walking in Wisdom : Studying the Proverbs of Solomon by Mouser, William
Proverbs : Learning to Live Wisely : 10 studies for individuals or groups by Mouser, William
Cyril Barber - "Here is a highly recommended book-a gold-miner's manual for all who want to become spiritually wealthy" (Roy B. Zuck).
James Rosscup - A fairly lucid book that can prime the thought and set it running in productive paths as one prepares a message, or as any Christian seeks help from wise counsel.
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs by Garrett, Duane
Proverbs by Garrett, Duane - Briefer than above, but with hints for preaching and teaching
Cyril Barber - Works on the Bible’s wisdom literature is growing, and this volume deserves special consideration as an outstanding, detailed exposition of these three canonical books. Conservative in theology and thorough in scope, Garrett interacts with the different approaches to these books, comments on each verse, and treats technical matters in footnotes. The contents is readable and will be particularly apropos to pastors, Bible class teachers, and lay people desiring to study these seldom read portions of God’s Word.
James Rosscup - A Professor of OT at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary did this evangelical survey. It gives 252 pp. to Prov., 253–345 to Eccles., and 347–432 to the Song. Garrett opts for Solomonic authorship of much in Prov., of Eccles., and of the Song. He sees the Song as fitting the last of 7 views he surveys, that of a love song, not on historical events, the “Solomon” being a poetic symbol for the splendor of the bridegroom (365). This will not commend itself to all as being necessary. He sees Eccles. as teaching readers to realize they are mortals who must put away illusions of self-importance, face death and life firmly, accept with humility their human limitations, rely on God, enjoy life as His gift, and revere Him (278). He explains some proverbs, skips some in generalizing summaries of several. But he brings well-informed perceptions to supply the main ideas, often syntheses, but often as well details on salient points in verses. Overall the work gives frequent and valuable helps, and is usable for scholars, pastoral workers, church teachers, students, and Christians in devotional times.
Proverbs and Ecclesiastes; introduction and commentary by Jones, Edgar,
The Practical Wisdom of Proverbs by Goldberg, Louis, Proverbs 1-9
Cyril Barber - Provides a commentary on chapters 1—9 with subsequent chapters devoted to “God and Man,” “The Believer and His Emotions,” etc. As Joseph M. Stowell points out in his Foreword, ‘There is a core of common-sense principles that keeps us safe and sane in the challenging enterprise of life itself,” and these principles are explained by Goldberg in his book. Stowell continues, “After studying Proverbs through the lens of this book, your heart will be equipped to live wisely to the glory of God.”
The Bible Commentary : Proverbs-Ezekiel abridged and edited by J M Fuller
How to Read Proverbs by Longman, Tremper
New Bible Commentary - J A Motyer authored Psalms. (1994) See user reviews
Proverbs : a Self-study Guide by Jensen, Irving
James Rosscup - (This note is on his commentary not the self-study guide above) In the Everyman’s Bible Commentary series, this is a 116-page simple layman’s help geared to provoke application to life. Several charts and a detailed outline printed at the outset and followed in the sweeping survey help in this. Of course many verses are passed over, but the survey draws many things together in perspective and can be a catalyst used along with more detailed works in preparation to preach or teach or just to enjoy a brief sketch that can refresh.
Understanding the Old Testament Proverbs, Isaiah, Jeremiah by Scripture Union
Wycliffe Bible Commentary - Charles Pfeiffer - 1560 pages (1962). Less detailed than the KJV Bible Commentary below.
Harris, R. Laird. “Proverbs,” in Wycliffe Bible Commentary - A competent, well-studied and often contributing treatment by a top Old Testament conservative scholar. One of the best brief commentaries, offering considerable insight.
Bible Knowledge Commentary - Old Testament - 1608 pages. Dallas Theological Seminary Faculty - Proverbs by Sid Buzzell
James Rosscup - A former teacher at the Dallas Theological Seminary has done this concise, clear, adept work. He shows a fine grasp of Hebrew exegesis and word meaning, use of context where it is pertinent, parallelism, customs, etc. The pastor, other church worker or layperson who uses this for preparation to speak or to live in God’s values will benefit much.
Wise Words : Family Stories that bring the Proverbs to life by Leithart, Peter J
The Complete Guide to the Book of Proverbs by Jones, Cody L.
James Rosscup - Jones uses 566 large pp. to compile brief (a paragraph or page) synopses of what selected proverbs convey on dozens of topics. Some themes are: wisdom, kindness, violence, watching the heart, smooth talk, wrongs to shun, drinking from one’s own well, etc. Often, entries reflect on customs (as substances for eye make-up, 6:25b, p. 59). One section gives six popular translations in six parallel cols. (328–545), another prints NT references to Proverbs. An index helps users find topics. As is clear, the work is not a complete guide but a partial one.
Proverbs and Ecclesiastes; introduction and commentary by Jones, Edgar,
James Rosscup - The Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at the Northern Congregational College, Manchester, England did this. He feels that some parts of Proverbs linked with Solomon’s name may be due to Solomon, but the majority of the material comes from later times (8th to 3rd centuries). In his theorizing Solomon did not write Ecclesiastes; rather more than one teacher in the wisdom school wrote parts of the book, taking the pseudonym of Solomon ca. 250 B. C. Verse by verse this is usually a fair, though quite concise commentary touching on some of the most crucial aspects and based on use of modern critical scholarship on the liberal side. The brevity results in passing over many verses with generalized comments too sparse to be of serious help (cf. Prov. 3:5, 6; 22:6). His lists of sources do not reflect use of evangelical works available when he wrote.
Queen of Hearts : the Role of Today's Woman, Based on Proverbs 31 by Briscoe, Jill
Cyril Barber - Delightful devotional messages. It is hard to imagine anyone's not being blessed by what Mrs. Briscoe relates
STUDY BIBLES - ONE VOLUME COMMENTARIES OF ENTIRE BIBLE, BIBLE DICTIONARIES, GENERAL REFERENCE WORKS
Note: The first 3 resources have no time restriction and allow copy and paste function:
(1) KJV Bible Commentary - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3000 pages of the entire OT/NT. Well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective. Pre-millennial. User reviews - it generally gets 4/5 stars from users. - 372 ratings
Very well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective user reviews
The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.
(2) The King James Study Bible Second Edition 2240 pages (2013) (Thomas Nelson) General Editor - Edward Hindson with multiple contributing editors. . 3,194 ratings. Pre-millennial. See introduction on How to Use this Study Bible.
(3) NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible (formerly "The Nelson Study Bible - NKJV") by Earl D Radmacher; Ronald Barclay Allen; Wayne H House. 2345 pages. (1997, 2007). Very helpful notes. Conservative. Pre-millennial. 917 ratings
Believer's Bible Commentary - OT and NT - MacDonald, William (1995) 2480 pages. Conservative. Literal. Often has very insightful comments. John MacArthur, says "Concise yet comprehensive - the most complete single-volume commentary I have seen." Warren Wiersbe adds "For the student who is serious about seeing Christ in the Word." One hour limit.
Rosscup - This work, originally issued in 1983, is conservative and premillennial, written to help teachers, preachers and people in every walk of life with different views, explanation and application. The 2-column format runs verse by verse for the most part, usually in a helpfully knowledgeable manner, and there are several special sections such as “Prayer” in Acts and “Legalism” in Galatians. The premillennial view is evident on Acts 1:6, 3:20, Romans 11:26, Galatians 6:16, Revelation 20, etc.
Evangelical Commentary on the Bible - editor Walter Elwell (1989) 1239 pages. User reviews.
HCSB Study Bible : Holman Christian Standard Bible - General Editor Jeremy Royal Howard (2010) 2360 pages. Conservative. Good notes. Include Holmans excellent maps. One hour limit
Life Application Study Bible: Old Testament and New Testament: New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes especially with application of texts. 4,445 ratings One hour limit
The MacArthur Study Bible - John MacArthur. Brief but well done notes for conservative, literal perspective. 1,275 ratings
ESV Study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel 6,004 ratings
Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition (1994) 2232 pages
The David Jeremiah Study Bible - (2013) 2208 pages. 2,272 ratings Logos.com - "Drawing on more than 40 years of study, Dr. David Jeremiah has compiled a legacy resource that will make an eternal impact on generations to come. 8,000 study notes. Hundreds of enriching word studies"50+ Essentials of the Christian Faith" articles."
The Experiencing God Study Bible: the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." Then you will interesting symbols before many of the passages. The chapter ends with a "DID YOU NOTICE?" question. This might make a "dry chapter" jump off the page! Read some of the 48 ratings
The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M. Excellent notes by well known creationist. 45 ratings
Zondervan NIV Study Bible - (2011) 2570 pages - Use this one if available as it has more notes than edition below. One hour limit
NIV Study Bible by Barker, Kenneth L; Burdick, Donald W (1995) 2250 pages. This is the first edition. This resource has been fully revised in 2020. One hour limit
NLT Study Bible (Illustration Version)
Disciple's Study Bible: New international version 54 ratings Not that helpful for verse by verse study. Focuses on application of Christian doctrines. 10,000 annotations; doctrinal summaries, "Life Helps" section relate doctrine to everyday discipleship.
The Living Insights Study Bible : New International Version - Charles Swindoll. Notes are good but somewhat sparse and not verse by verse.
The Apologetics Study Bible Understand Why You Believe by Norman Geisler
NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture Keener, Craig and Walton, John. Editors (2017)
The Holman Illustrated Study Bible 120 ratings Includes the excellent Holman maps but otherwise of little help in serious study.
Halley's Bible Handbook Henry H. Halley - (2000) 2720 pages (much larger than original edition in 1965 and no time limit on use). (Halley's Bible handbook : an abbreviated Bible commentary - one hour limit 1965 872 pages)
Rosscup - A much-used older evangelical handbook bringing together a brief commentary on Bible books, some key archaeological findings, historical background, maps, quotes, etc. It is helpful to a lay Bible teacher, Sunday School leader, or pastor looking for quick, pertinent information on a Bible book. This is the 72nd printing somewhat revised. Halley packed in much information. Unger’s is better overall, but that is not to say that Halley’s will not provide much help on basic information.
The Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook - Editor - Walter Elwell (1984) 408 pages.
"This hardback is small in size but packed full of content: Brief summaries of every book of the bible, cultural, archaeological and historical info, word definitions, pictures, maps and charts." Worth checking!