This valuable study explores an issue affecting life today at a basic level. It allows contemporary readers to realign their views of achievement from the central position it now occupies to its proper place in an auxiliary, serving function-an approach that would ultimately allow more room for God and man.

The authors handle this scriptural approach to achievement with sensitivity. Although the word does not actually appear in the Bible, the concept is subtly conveyed throughout both the Old and New Testa- ments in stories and teachings on accomplishment-performance-work, reward-punishment, success-failure.

Drs. Gunneweg and Schmithals include those facets of the term as well as themes implied by the concept the work ethic, asceticism, wealth, politics, eschatology, grace, and the kingdom of God. From their study, readers will encounter the consistent biblical message on the meaning of "right" achievement: human efforts channeled within the context of God's sovereignty.