Interlude

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From this chapter on, we’ll be studying the book of Proverbs topically, bringing together texts that deal with the same subjects and showing how they relate to one another and to your personal Christian life today. In a sense, we’ll be studying what the Bible teaches about practical Christian living, using the book of Proverbs as our point of reference.

No classification of texts is inspired or final, and many verses could be put into several different categories. The psalmist was right when he said, “To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless” (Ps. 119:96 NIV). Since I won’t be quoting every relevant verse, be sure to look up and read the references I give. It’s important that you ponder these Scriptures if you want to get the full benefit of your study.

The easiest way to study Proverbs is by topics, but the best way to read Proverbs is chapter by chapter, just the way it’s written. Why? Because each chapter presents a variety of truths, and you never know which one you will need for any given day. In fact, some verses are repeated so that we’ll be sure to get the message.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7), so keep your heart reverent before Him, and be willing to obey what He says to you.