b'Introduction toProverbsBy Reverend Melissa Anne RogersThe Book of Proverbs is a manual of inspiredinstructions for how to live in a way that ispleasing to God. King Solomon was knownthroughout the land as a tremendous andinsightful teacher. He wrote short, pithystatements that are long on wisdom, wordswhich help us to know what is desirable to God especially our piety, our devotion to duty,and our expressions of justice. The themesinclude morality, religion, politics, and society but there is no clear continuity in the book.The theology of this book is simplewe are ina direct relationship to God, and need no otherperson or angel to mediate for us! There isIsrael alonebut were meant for everyone!The book must be read in light of the NewTestament, for the suggestion here is that oursalvation lies in our conduct, which isdetermined by our willsomething thatneglects our understanding that the grace ofGod alone, received through our faith, is whatsaves us. Reading proverbs is delightful, anddoes for us what it did for the original audience it gives us sayings of truth that are vivid,practical, and easy to remember. They aremeant to stick in your brain and be consideredthroughout the day.'