Wisdom is eminently practical. It's not so much learning facts and understanding theories as it is knowing what to do, how to conduct oneself. The wise person is an expert in the art of living.

This is what all of us most need: a faith which can be translated into life, insight to choose, courage to cope. That's what we find in these ancient proverbs-divinely given clues to the good life. When we see them in the fuller light of the gospel, as people redeemed in Christ and renewed by the Spirit, we find them marvelously helpful in the midst of our daily struggles.

These studies aim to open up a bit of the treasure in the Proverbs. May they guide you to something better than gold and silver-the wisdom that brings true happiness!