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Preaching the Word
Proverbs: Wisdom That Works
How exactly does one become wise? Pastor and teacher Ray Ortlund points out that the wisdom of God does not stand aloof, as if it were unattainable. Instead, he shows that wisdom graciously moves toward us, into our real world where we live and struggle day by day. Wisdom offers us her very best, if only we will listen. After all, “Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice,” and, if wisdom troubles herself to yell, there must be a reason to listen and a means to hear. Ortlund unpacks the book of Proverbs in twenty-one straightforward sermons, providing a biblical worldview that opens up the higher meaning of money, sex, and power, as well as that of the daily routines of an average life. Drawing relevant parallels from ancient culture to present day, he helps the reader understand how the book of Proverbs is practical help for normal people going through everyday life. Most importantly, Ortlund shows how the Proverbs point to Jesus and his counsel for the perplexed, his strength for the defeated, his warning to the proud, his mercy for the broken. With careful treatment of the Scriptures and uncomplicated language, Proverbs: Wisdom that Works fills the vacuum between the layman’s experience and the exegetical depth of many commentaries. Part of the Preaching the Word series.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 7, 2012
104 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.
67 books141 followersPastor Ray Ortlund received a B.A. from Wheaton College, Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, M.A. from The University of California, Berkeley, and Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Pastor Ortlund served as Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois, from 1989-1998. He was ordained by Lake Avenue Congregational Church, Pasadena, California, in 1975
In addition to a number of essays and articles, he has published several books. Ray also participated in The New Living Translation and the English Standard Version of the Bible. He contributed the introduction and study notes to the book of Isaiah in The ESV Study Bible.
Ray is the President of Renewal Ministries, a regional director in the Acts29 Network and serves on the council of The Gospel Coalition.
Ray and his wife Jani have been married for forty-one happy years, and they have four delightful children. Ray says, "I have the most wonderful wife, I love my kids and grandkids, and I love Immanuel Church. My dream is that God would use us for true revival in our city."
In addition to a number of essays and articles, he has published several books. Ray also participated in The New Living Translation and the English Standard Version of the Bible. He contributed the introduction and study notes to the book of Isaiah in The ESV Study Bible.
Ray is the President of Renewal Ministries, a regional director in the Acts29 Network and serves on the council of The Gospel Coalition.
Ray and his wife Jani have been married for forty-one happy years, and they have four delightful children. Ray says, "I have the most wonderful wife, I love my kids and grandkids, and I love Immanuel Church. My dream is that God would use us for true revival in our city."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 13, 2013
Really good.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Wisdom is the grace of Christ beautifying our daily lives." (p.17)
"Perceiving wisdom asks hard questions about life and understand God's answers. Acting wisdom guides us in our practical conduct every day. Communicating wisdom educates us in the school of sages..." (p.28)
"Wisdom does not theorize. Wisdom pays attention to the realities built into us by God our Creator... A wise person notices, picks up on the clues, cuts with the grain, tears along the perforated lines."
"Sin is trying to succeed by ignoring reality."
"Sin tends to recruit."
"Why does Wisdom go out to the streets and markets and city gates? Because the people are there. That is where they live, where they need wisdom. God's wisdom is not designed for a secluded life."
"[W]isdom is more than avoiding sin. That would be merely negative. Wisdom also escorts us into the path of everything desirable..."
"The tongue of the wise cares more about soothing an injury than winning an argument."
"But here is the good news. We don't come to Christ because we are humble. We come to Christ because we are proud, and he receives us and loves us and helps us in our pride."
"Humility is the safest place for everyone of us."
"Pride feels normal. We trust in our own minds. We feel innocent. We feel more sinned against that sinning, like King Lear. But what matters is not how we feel but where we are going: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." The scariest thing about us is our glib self- assurance. We are not alarmed by ourselves. The on-ramps to the interstate of death have no warnings, no signs, no flashing red-lights. But God is telling us. We need to pay attention."
"This book (the Bible)is Jesus speaking to me, every word of it. I will swallow the Word whole, including the hard parts, out of reverence for Him."
"Humbly listening to trusted correction is essential to entering into the community of the wise."
"You dedicate your child to Christ by dedicating yourself to Christ so enthusiastically that your child tastes how good it is and wants more."
"The greatest legacy we can leave our kids is how to find refuge in God when everything is on the line."
"Wisdom is when we outgrow our misconceptions about how life should work, and we learn how God actually built life to work, and work well."
"Wisdom is skill for living when there is no obvious rule to go by. That is what the book of Proverbs is for -gospel wisdom for complicated lives."
"Every one of us needs a friend who will not flatter us but will refine us."
"A real friend will provoke you and challenge you. You will not agree with everything your friend says, but you will want to listen."
"The truth is, a friend will inevitably hurt you with words that are respectful, true, and blunt. If you receive it, you will grow in wisdom."
"Friends need time together, and friends need time not together."
"Wisdom is skill for living well in the sight of God and man. We need wisdom every day, because the right thing to do is not always obvious."
"Selfishness is poverty. Generosity is wealth."
"Let's always remember that life is not in theology; life is in Christ. He is not a concept. He is a living person.If we will treat him that way, he will keep us from the snare of theological pride, which is death."
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Wisdom is the grace of Christ beautifying our daily lives." (p.17)
"Perceiving wisdom asks hard questions about life and understand God's answers. Acting wisdom guides us in our practical conduct every day. Communicating wisdom educates us in the school of sages..." (p.28)
"Wisdom does not theorize. Wisdom pays attention to the realities built into us by God our Creator... A wise person notices, picks up on the clues, cuts with the grain, tears along the perforated lines."
"Sin is trying to succeed by ignoring reality."
"Sin tends to recruit."
"Why does Wisdom go out to the streets and markets and city gates? Because the people are there. That is where they live, where they need wisdom. God's wisdom is not designed for a secluded life."
"[W]isdom is more than avoiding sin. That would be merely negative. Wisdom also escorts us into the path of everything desirable..."
"The tongue of the wise cares more about soothing an injury than winning an argument."
"But here is the good news. We don't come to Christ because we are humble. We come to Christ because we are proud, and he receives us and loves us and helps us in our pride."
"Humility is the safest place for everyone of us."
"Pride feels normal. We trust in our own minds. We feel innocent. We feel more sinned against that sinning, like King Lear. But what matters is not how we feel but where we are going: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." The scariest thing about us is our glib self- assurance. We are not alarmed by ourselves. The on-ramps to the interstate of death have no warnings, no signs, no flashing red-lights. But God is telling us. We need to pay attention."
"This book (the Bible)is Jesus speaking to me, every word of it. I will swallow the Word whole, including the hard parts, out of reverence for Him."
"Humbly listening to trusted correction is essential to entering into the community of the wise."
"You dedicate your child to Christ by dedicating yourself to Christ so enthusiastically that your child tastes how good it is and wants more."
"The greatest legacy we can leave our kids is how to find refuge in God when everything is on the line."
"Wisdom is when we outgrow our misconceptions about how life should work, and we learn how God actually built life to work, and work well."
"Wisdom is skill for living when there is no obvious rule to go by. That is what the book of Proverbs is for -gospel wisdom for complicated lives."
"Every one of us needs a friend who will not flatter us but will refine us."
"A real friend will provoke you and challenge you. You will not agree with everything your friend says, but you will want to listen."
"The truth is, a friend will inevitably hurt you with words that are respectful, true, and blunt. If you receive it, you will grow in wisdom."
"Friends need time together, and friends need time not together."
"Wisdom is skill for living well in the sight of God and man. We need wisdom every day, because the right thing to do is not always obvious."
"Selfishness is poverty. Generosity is wealth."
"Let's always remember that life is not in theology; life is in Christ. He is not a concept. He is a living person.If we will treat him that way, he will keep us from the snare of theological pride, which is death."
August 4, 2023
I borrowed this book from a friend in order to read two or three chapters I was interested in. I ended up inhaling the whole thing. It was so life-giving. I knew of a few ways to get to the Gospel from Proverbs, but Ray Ortlund, Jr. sees paths to the Gospel EVERYWHERE.
Biggest and most profound takeaway: Wisdom is not primarily informational, like a download of data, but is relational. This is why Solomon could be the wisest man in the world yet end up a fool. This is why "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." This is why wisdom is personified throughout Proverbs, to have its ultimate fulfillment as the Logos of John 1, Jesus Christ. We know wisdom by delving into an ever-deepening relationship with God Himself. It's walking with Him, not "Thanks for the info; see ya next time I need something."
Biggest and most profound takeaway: Wisdom is not primarily informational, like a download of data, but is relational. This is why Solomon could be the wisest man in the world yet end up a fool. This is why "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." This is why wisdom is personified throughout Proverbs, to have its ultimate fulfillment as the Logos of John 1, Jesus Christ. We know wisdom by delving into an ever-deepening relationship with God Himself. It's walking with Him, not "Thanks for the info; see ya next time I need something."
January 31, 2025
Used this one as a reference book, so I read it super out of order and at my own pace. That’s what it’s meant for as it’s just a collection of sermonettes. If you’re going to read a short sermon as a young man, it’s hard to do better than an older man like Ray Ortlund talking about wisdom. So I’m a fan.
October 2, 2024
Some quotes will live in my heart forever 💛
Such a wonderful teaching on the book of Proverbs
Such a wonderful teaching on the book of Proverbs
September 7, 2015
It's tough to read commentaries straight through (at least for me). But I am thoroughly enjoying Ortlund's book on Proverbs. Very well done. I am reading it as I teach through Proverbs to the teens at our church.
Excellent homiletical commentary on Proverbs.
Great example of preaching Christ from the OT.
Well-written, creative, relevant, imaginative.
Excellent homiletical commentary on Proverbs.
Great example of preaching Christ from the OT.
Well-written, creative, relevant, imaginative.
March 29, 2025
Excellent- shows a depth of wisdom and understanding tied to a pastors heart. It is an extremely useful to teach the first 9 chapters of Proverbs which he covers in order and with great exposition and application. After that he goes to a more topical exploration which requires a little more work to use if you are teaching through it in a verse by verse format.
June 24, 2021
I have read this alongside a chapter of Proverbs each day and have found it very enriching. As a commentary on Proverbs I would probably only give it 3 stars. But as a devotional resource to aid my reflection on what I was reading each day, it was great!
June 26, 2023
A very easy read. Helped me quite a bit as I taught through proverbs. I recommend this if you want an easy christ centered book on Proverbs.
February 14, 2022
Pastor Ray + the book of Proverbs = a mega dose of practical wisdom!
July 23, 2024
A brilliant book about the wisdom in Proverbs. So many treasures were discovered by reading this book. My relationship with the Lord has also been greatly affected by it. Some of my highlighted quotes:
"Let’s keep our eyes peeled for two dangers. One is our own hearts saying, “I’ve heard all this before.” Theologically aware people can become arrogant and not even notice it. Let’s always remember that life is not in theology; life is in Christ" (p. 185).
The righteous are willing to disadvantage themselves to advantage the community; the wicked are willing to disadvantage the community to advantage themselves (p. 177).
He does not despise us for our weakness. He is touched. That is how a friend feels (p. 167).
Why do our own lives spiral down into contradiction, frustration, and just plain boredom? Here is why. We take our favorite aspect of the creation, and we make it into an idol. We pin our hopes on some good thing that lets us down because it cannot bear us up (p. 114.)
"Let’s keep our eyes peeled for two dangers. One is our own hearts saying, “I’ve heard all this before.” Theologically aware people can become arrogant and not even notice it. Let’s always remember that life is not in theology; life is in Christ" (p. 185).
The righteous are willing to disadvantage themselves to advantage the community; the wicked are willing to disadvantage the community to advantage themselves (p. 177).
He does not despise us for our weakness. He is touched. That is how a friend feels (p. 167).
Why do our own lives spiral down into contradiction, frustration, and just plain boredom? Here is why. We take our favorite aspect of the creation, and we make it into an idol. We pin our hopes on some good thing that lets us down because it cannot bear us up (p. 114.)
November 18, 2015
Proverbs is a hard book for me. It is full of quotable sound bites, but they don't always seem true (1:33 "Whoever listens to me [wisdom] will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm). I understand that these are principles of how life works, not hard and fast laws of nature, but sometimes it's hard for me to take the book of Proverbs seriously. I need a hermeneutic, a framework to put Proverbs into.
I decided to start with this book, as it wasn't a straight commentary, and seemed to be pretty well received (looking at the ratings).
It's been sitting on my self for months now, half read, but today I've decided I'm finished.
The first couple of chapters were decent. He talks about the structure of the book (it's an anthology, the first nine chapters are an intro, etc) and the importance of wisdom. This was helpful to me.
The rest was not so great. While the whole book (at least parts that I read) had a pastoral sound (the book is part of a series called Preaching the Word, after all), but after the first couple of chapters it got really hard to read. Ortlund makes a lot of generalizations (kinda like Proverbs...) and his sermon illustrations are terribly cheesy. When I picked it up today to see if I could finish it, I came across this gem: A businessman goes out of town for work. He calls for a prostitute, and when she shows up, he has an apparent heart attack, because it's his daughter. The lesson here? "Sexual folly carries consequences." Really? Don't call for a prostitute, you might have a heart attack?
Bottom line: If you want to hear cheesy fables and hyperbole used to describe and elucidate the book of Proverbs, this is the book for you.
I decided to start with this book, as it wasn't a straight commentary, and seemed to be pretty well received (looking at the ratings).
It's been sitting on my self for months now, half read, but today I've decided I'm finished.
The first couple of chapters were decent. He talks about the structure of the book (it's an anthology, the first nine chapters are an intro, etc) and the importance of wisdom. This was helpful to me.
The rest was not so great. While the whole book (at least parts that I read) had a pastoral sound (the book is part of a series called Preaching the Word, after all), but after the first couple of chapters it got really hard to read. Ortlund makes a lot of generalizations (kinda like Proverbs...) and his sermon illustrations are terribly cheesy. When I picked it up today to see if I could finish it, I came across this gem: A businessman goes out of town for work. He calls for a prostitute, and when she shows up, he has an apparent heart attack, because it's his daughter. The lesson here? "Sexual folly carries consequences." Really? Don't call for a prostitute, you might have a heart attack?
Bottom line: If you want to hear cheesy fables and hyperbole used to describe and elucidate the book of Proverbs, this is the book for you.
November 23, 2015
Outstanding. Profoundly insightful, undeniably Christ-centred, and eminently helpful for preaching.
July 9, 2025
I loved this book WAY more than I expected. For anyone wondering whether or not Proverbs is worth bringing into your pulpit, I think this book will convince you. It convinced me. In an age where spiritualized emotionalism is so often the perceived hallmark of godliness, we need the plain grittiness of the Proverbs to help us get our hands dirty in the hard task of making real, God-glorifying decisions in the messiness of life. It's not always flashy, but Wisdom works, and the more of it we unearth the more we see its infinite value. Ortlund unearths just enough to make you want to grab a shovel and start digging for yourself.
November 6, 2022
Let’s wrap up.
First, the book was good the first time I read it 10 years ago. And it was even better reading it the second time.
Second, we mess up in so many places. We obviously need wisdom, not the world’s wisdom but God’s wisdom. And Ortlund shows us where it’s at.
Third, Christians who know Proverbs — They hear Wisdom calling and they come running — will get from this commentary, a clear line from Lady Wisdom to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Full 2,888 word review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...
First, the book was good the first time I read it 10 years ago. And it was even better reading it the second time.
Second, we mess up in so many places. We obviously need wisdom, not the world’s wisdom but God’s wisdom. And Ortlund shows us where it’s at.
Third, Christians who know Proverbs — They hear Wisdom calling and they come running — will get from this commentary, a clear line from Lady Wisdom to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Full 2,888 word review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...
June 29, 2021
Ray Ortlund: “There is a road, and there is a destination. The question is, where are we going with our lives? Everyone is on a journey. We can choose our own path, but we cannot choose our own consequences, our own destination. “In the path of righteousness [only] is life.”
—“Life and Death,” Proverbs: Wisdom That Works
Thank you Lord for this book. This is a very insightful exposition into the wisdom of the book of Proverbs. Help me share it to the people around me!
—“Life and Death,” Proverbs: Wisdom That Works
Thank you Lord for this book. This is a very insightful exposition into the wisdom of the book of Proverbs. Help me share it to the people around me!
June 9, 2017
It says it's a commentary, though it certainly doesn't read like one. Perhaps more believers should consider taking in commentaries. This is a good one. Add to the list Luther's commentary on Galatians. Proverbs, written by Ray Ortlund Jr, shows the authors typical gospel focus and highlights the wisdom of Proverbs for gospel living. Highly recommended.
August 5, 2019
Practical and Pastoral
Practical commentary that helps you undertsand *how* to understand the proverbs. Each chapter reads like an article --- You can digest it in one sitting, you can use it for research, or you can read it devotionally.
Practical commentary that helps you undertsand *how* to understand the proverbs. Each chapter reads like an article --- You can digest it in one sitting, you can use it for research, or you can read it devotionally.
April 17, 2021
Sublime—especially the chapters that cover the first ten chapters of Proverbs. Satisfied me again and again with its insight. Ortlund understands the necessity of exploring implications, and of appealing to the imagination; he does both of these with excellence.
December 25, 2018
Good supplement
I was expecting a more expository book but this a good supplement to read before studying Proverbs. I received some good council from this book.
I was expecting a more expository book but this a good supplement to read before studying Proverbs. I received some good council from this book.
May 17, 2020
Simple wisdom
Amazing book written by an amazing man! Ortlund writes a deep but accessible guide to the Proverbs. This is one to mark up.
Amazing book written by an amazing man! Ortlund writes a deep but accessible guide to the Proverbs. This is one to mark up.
September 24, 2020
Relevant, powerful, Christ-centred. Scholarly and practical. Well spoken Raymond Ortlund Jr., had me desiring so much more of our wise and beautiful Lord Jesus.
May 25, 2023
Good book even if you aren't a pastor!
Easy to read, but full of wisdom. If you are interested in Proverbs and gaining practical life skills, check this out.
Easy to read, but full of wisdom. If you are interested in Proverbs and gaining practical life skills, check this out.
June 28, 2023
So good.
Wonderful expository commentary, can be read as a devotional book.
Wonderful expository commentary, can be read as a devotional book.
July 9, 2023
Hard to write a commentary on Proverbs but Ray Ortlund did a great job.
January 12, 2024
Great way to set the tone for reading Proverbs. Not exhaustive or particularly exegetical, but the themes and perspective are great.
October 23, 2024
Unbelievably pastor, applicable, and faithful. A must have for any Proverbs study.
September 9, 2025
Too many instances of right truth, wrong text. Too much reading Christ and the gospel into every text, without dealing with immediate context. Too many cultural references
June 6, 2017
Awesome and fantastic!
I love this author's presentation of the truths of Proverbs. His writing is fun to read and he communicates his concepts in effective and simple terms. Reading this book is like having a conversation with a wise friend. And he's pretty funny too! Highly recommend! Will be purchasing his other book on Isaiah.
I love this author's presentation of the truths of Proverbs. His writing is fun to read and he communicates his concepts in effective and simple terms. Reading this book is like having a conversation with a wise friend. And he's pretty funny too! Highly recommend! Will be purchasing his other book on Isaiah.
May 19, 2020
REVIEW 1 - 2017
A really enjoyable read. He really is persuasive in wanting me to pursue wisdom, and really to cherish and follow Christ. It was a book full of quotable quotes, and inspiring lines. He did a fantastic job exegeting in preaching form the first 9 chapters of Proverbs, and then he categorized and explained a handful of topics from chapter 10 on.
In short, I would recommend anyone to read it. Not necessarily just to study Proverbs, although it is good for that, but this book offers much more. It allows one to really see the benefit of wisdom and what exactly wisdom is in Proverbs. He is very practical and motivational, all while frequently focusing on Christ.
I will look back on it frequently for quotes, ideas, and motivation.
REVIEW 2 - 2020
This is the “Preaching the Word” series at its finest. Proverbs isn’t easy to teach or preach through. But Ortlund provides a really helpful structure to do so: expositing chapters 1-9 and then going thematic. But more important than this, his insights and applications were outstanding.
This is my second time reading through this, but this time I did so slowly while also preparing for a one-on-one Bible study through Proverbs I was doing with someone. And through this, I feel 1) I really digested this book and Ray’s points, and 2) this book really helped my understand Proverbs—not just it’s individual parts, but the feeling of the book as a whole, the reality and point of wisdom. Moreover, his insights on some specific topics were stellar, particularly sexuality, wealth, and humility throughout.
For all that I’m extremely thankful this book exists. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Of course, for more technical descriptions of every Proverb, you’re going to need to get a commentary like Waltke’s. But if you want an edifying, instructive book that makes you *understand* the book of Proverbs—it’s structure, it’s feel, its application—then look no further.
A really enjoyable read. He really is persuasive in wanting me to pursue wisdom, and really to cherish and follow Christ. It was a book full of quotable quotes, and inspiring lines. He did a fantastic job exegeting in preaching form the first 9 chapters of Proverbs, and then he categorized and explained a handful of topics from chapter 10 on.
In short, I would recommend anyone to read it. Not necessarily just to study Proverbs, although it is good for that, but this book offers much more. It allows one to really see the benefit of wisdom and what exactly wisdom is in Proverbs. He is very practical and motivational, all while frequently focusing on Christ.
I will look back on it frequently for quotes, ideas, and motivation.
REVIEW 2 - 2020
This is the “Preaching the Word” series at its finest. Proverbs isn’t easy to teach or preach through. But Ortlund provides a really helpful structure to do so: expositing chapters 1-9 and then going thematic. But more important than this, his insights and applications were outstanding.
This is my second time reading through this, but this time I did so slowly while also preparing for a one-on-one Bible study through Proverbs I was doing with someone. And through this, I feel 1) I really digested this book and Ray’s points, and 2) this book really helped my understand Proverbs—not just it’s individual parts, but the feeling of the book as a whole, the reality and point of wisdom. Moreover, his insights on some specific topics were stellar, particularly sexuality, wealth, and humility throughout.
For all that I’m extremely thankful this book exists. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Of course, for more technical descriptions of every Proverb, you’re going to need to get a commentary like Waltke’s. But if you want an edifying, instructive book that makes you *understand* the book of Proverbs—it’s structure, it’s feel, its application—then look no further.
March 11, 2014
I love the book of Proverbs, but the biblical language can be perplexing at times so I consult commentaries--which can be equally perplexing. But, this! Love it! This commentary on Proverbs is actually a collection of sermons. It is devotional and captivating and very accessible. I am reading through it again with my 13 years old son. Dr. Ortlund reveals some technical information like Hebrew roots, etc. but also makes many literary and cultural references that enlighten and connect with the reader.
My favorite aspect of the book is how the author illuminates the gospel message throughout.
He starts from this premise in the first chapter: "The book of Proverbs is a gospel book, because it is part of the Bible. That means the book of Proverbs is good news for bad people. It is about grace for sinners. It is about hope for failures. It is about wisdom for idiots. This book is Jesus himself coming to us as our counselor, as our sage, as our life coach." (p. 16)
Highly recommend it!
My favorite aspect of the book is how the author illuminates the gospel message throughout.
He starts from this premise in the first chapter: "The book of Proverbs is a gospel book, because it is part of the Bible. That means the book of Proverbs is good news for bad people. It is about grace for sinners. It is about hope for failures. It is about wisdom for idiots. This book is Jesus himself coming to us as our counselor, as our sage, as our life coach." (p. 16)
Highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews