©2008, Shepherd Press, 201 pp. in paperback

Other than Psalms, Proverbs is probably the most read Old Testament book. Many recognize that great wisdom is unfolded in the thirty-one chapters of that inspired work.

In this book the author examines many proverbs in a topical format. These topics are of great relevance to our day. They include “Work”, “Wealth”, “Friends”, “Marriages”, and “Children”. Although Selvaggio focuses on many verses in Proverbs he weaves into the fabric of this book many apt passages from elsewhere in scripture. Throughout, he remains God-centered and also mindful that Proverbs is not a multi-step program to success. Instead, Proverbs points us to God and makes us more God-centered as we, by God’s grace, seek to live out the inspired instruction found therein.

I could show the relevance of many chapters in this well-written work. However, as the continuing a national and international financial crisis rightly concerns many Christians I will make reference to the author’s remarks on this subject. Two chapters are devoted to wealth and our stewardship of it. Therein he insightfully covers important topics as the relationship of wealth to the human heart, wealth’s limitations, and the stewardship of the wealth God gives us. Throughout these remarks, the writer maintains biblical balance. Although he points out the dangers of wealth, he also stresses that wealth itself is not evil. It can be stewarded with great benefit to God’s kingdom and thus in our lives. As with any part of God’s creation, we must not make wealth an idol. We must avoid the love of wealth not necessarily wealth itself that God, by His grace, gives us.

This volume is easy but edifying reading. It is easy because of its style and length of chapters. It is edifying in its God-centeredness and clarity of applications. It can be profitable for individual or group study.

©2009 Byron Snapp, Hampton, Virginia