In Search of Wisdom by Joyce Meyer

The world desperately needs wisdom right now. There is lots of knowledge but proper use of that knowledge, wisdom, is all too often absent. Proverbs is a great source of wisdom but the sayings there may be hard to understand or confusing.

Meyer comes to our rescue. She helps us see that the biblical book can show us how to live lives pleasing to God. While there is a chapter in this book dedicated to each chapter in Proverbs, it is not a verse by verse commentary. Meyer helps us understand the major concepts it teaches along with thoughtful commentary.

My favorite section in the book was on the topic, wisdom loves discipline. Some Christians might think they are not disciplined but Meyer reminds us 2 Tim. 1:7 says God has given us a spirit of disciplines and it is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). “As believers,” she writes, “we have self-control but people do not always use what they have.” (20) If we do not discipline ourselves, she says, God will discipline us. (Prov. 3:11-12)

Some suggest reading through Proverbs every month, a chapter a day. This book would be a great companion to that practice. Meyer is honest, relating how she had to learn many of the principles through mistakes. She includes wise advice: “Always remember we are not called to be like other people, but to be like Jesus.” (80) She doesn't let us off with easy instruction: “The wise person loves correction.” (127)

Meyer reminds us we need to put into practical use what we find in Proverbs. “Simply knowing something does not benefit us, if we don't apply it to our lives.” (181) Reading this book gives us great encouragement to apply the wisdom found in Proverbs.

One odd thing about this book is that Meyer assures us in the introduction that the text of the Book of Proverbs is included. (viii) It is not.

You can watch the book trailer here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. Her daily broadcast, Enjoying Everyday Life, airs on hundreds of television networks and radio stations worldwide. She has written over 100 inspirational books. She travels extensively, speaking to thousands throughout the world. She lives in St. Louis, MO.

FaithWords, 272 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)