Wisdom 52: A Fifteen-Minute Daily Guide Through Proverbs

by Mark E. Moore

Transform your year in just fifteen minutes a day by unlocking biblical wisdom for modern life through the ancient words of Proverbs—from the bestselling author of Core 52.

In an age overwhelmed by information yet starved for true wisdom, Mark E. Moore offers a practical guide to living a Spirit-guided life through the timeless insights of the book of Proverbs.

Wisdom 52 gives you access to deep theology in a conversational tone. It categorizes the book of Proverbs into fifty-two themes, organized under six Discernment, Speech, Relationships, Behavior, Character, and Wealth.

Each of the 52 weekly chapters tackles a substantial principle of wisdom and tracks it through the relevant characters and events of the Old Testament. Then, it spotlights the principle through Jesus in the New Testament to show how he sharpened and shaped wisdom into a practice leading to health for individuals, families, and, ultimately, society. 

Each weekly chapter includes three main
An illustration highlighting the urgent need for each subset of wisdom in addressing contemporary social or psychological issues.A discussion of the primary Proverbs that address this need, along with how the rest of Scripture expresses the same principles. Daily exercises to make the practice of each principle achievable.
With compelling illustrations, memorable Proverbs, and daily action steps, Wisdom 52 empowers you to cultivate the habits and virtues essential for a healthy, meaningful life amid cultural chaos.

Genres: Christian

400 pages, Paperback

Published December 30, 2025

About the author

Mark E. Moore is a teaching pastor at Christ's Church of the Valley in Phoenix, Arizona, one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic churches in America. Here he leverages two decades in a college classroom teaching New Testament. His goal is to make Scriptures accessible and relevant to people trying to make sense of Christianity. His two worlds of academic Bible study and practical Christian living come together in this powerful tool called Core 52.

Reviews

[Renee Mihld · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read Wisdom 52 by Mark E. Moore, Teaching Pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV) in Arizona, which I attend. I received an advanced review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Wisdom 52 is designed to be read over 52 weeks, with one chapter per week. I did not follow the weekly pace exactly. I read chapters 1–10 in order, then skipped ahead to topics that personally interested me. The book is divided into six main categories: Discernment, Words, Relationships, Behavior, Character, and Wealth, which made it easy to focus on areas that felt most relevant to my life.

One of my strongest reactions while reading was wishing I had encountered this book much earlier in my life. It stirred a lot of reflection and, honestly, some regret—I can clearly see places where I would have made different choices had I applied this wisdom sooner. At the same time, the book reminded me of God’s deep love for me and His forgiveness, which was incredibly comforting. Some chapters were emotional for me and even brought me to tears as I revisited past behaviors, events, and the feelings attached to them.

Mark Moore includes true-life stories throughout the book, which I really appreciated. He is open and honest about his own struggles and emotions, and that authenticity made the content feel relatable rather than preachy. His writing style is clear and easy to follow, though there were occasional words that sent me to the dictionary—which I actually enjoyed. It’s evident that the author loves statistics and has done extensive research to support his points.

Each chapter follows a five-day structure: reading the main essay, memorizing a Bible verse, reading a biblical biography (a chapter from the Bible), meditating on several verses, and participating in discussion. The weekly workload is very manageable and not difficult to complete.

The book includes several types of discussion questions—group discussion, “table talk” for home conversations, and “watercooler” discussions meant for places like work or the gym. I didn’t have a group to go through this with, but I still completed the discussion questions on my own and found value in them. That said, I can see how being part of a group would add accountability and provide different perspectives. If this book were used in a small group or Bible study setting, I would encourage groups to prioritize chapters that align with their most pressing needs, just as I did when I skipped ahead to certain topics.

Group participation isn’t required to benefit from Wisdom 52. I did just fine reading it independently. I especially enjoyed the biblical biographies, where readers are encouraged to identify traits to apply—or avoid—in their own lives.

One area where I would have liked more guidance is the meditation portion of the Bible verses. I found myself wishing Mark Moore had explained more clearly how he suggests readers approach that practice. I am encouraged, however, by the fact that his website will be offering additional resources for the book, which I think will be a valuable asset.

This is not a devotional-style book. There are no written prayers, but there are many Bible verses to look up and one verse to memorize each week. If you enjoy studying Scripture and applying it practically, this book delivers. I’ve always loved Proverbs for its common-sense wisdom, and this book reinforced why. I regularly follow Bible plans that include daily Proverbs, and I appreciate how those verses often come to mind right when I need them. Wisdom 52 builds on that same kind of practical, everyday wisdom.

Overall, I found Wisdom 52 to be encouraging, thought-provoking, and rich with practical application. It’s a meaningful study that challenges you to grow, reflect, and apply biblical wisdom to real life—whether you read it alone or with others.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wisdom 52 is a wonderful year-long study of God's Word's key Scriptures on wisdom from the book of Proverbs. The book explains how to practically apply the Scriptures to daily living. It is equally appropriate to individual, family, small group, or church-wide study. Each week begins with a key verse which is fleshed out with additional Scriptures and personal applications. There are five assignments each week: reading the essay, memorizing the key verse, reading a biography within the Bible, meditating on support Scriptures, and discussion. The discussion prompts are organized into three areas: group, home, and watercooler. I especially appreciate the watercooler prompts which can be used at work, the gym, the coffee shop, etc... They are not worded with a Christian slant, but have the potential of generating an opportunity for witnessing. For example, one might open a discussion about areas of life that feel most balanced and those that feel most unbalanced, or possibly about who the people are in our life that we are most afraid to disappoint which can lead into telling how faith impacts our answer to those questions. Like in the book's predecessors, Core 52 and Quest 52, the author provides free, on-line videos for each week.

I find my study using Wisdom52 to be time-well-spent. I highly recommend this book, Core 52, and Quest 52. They do not need to be read in any particular order. I am grateful to have received a complementary copy of Wisdom 52 from Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be fully honest, I will re-read this book slowly to really absorb the knowledge, this book is useful not only for the believer, but also for the ones who want to get their life in order, I know some people will look at bible passages and they'll feel annoyed and say, that they don’t believe, but the truth is only one, if not for the word and through Jesus, not one will be save... and you never know, maybe is this book that could bring someone back to God.

I liked how besides the connection that this book does for his chapters with proverbs, the author also gives us passages to memorise and to study, so its a good study book as well, and also gives analogy with the author life and real life examples of what he mean, and never he says how we should think, but asks us what kind of conclusions could we take from what we've learned.

So if you're looking for a book to learn proverbs and how that can connect with your day to day life, grab a copy for yourself, or even to someone you think that could appreciate this knowledge.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing | WaterBrook, for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complementary copy of Wisdom 52 from NetGalley and WaterBrook. This review reflects my honest opinion of this book.

Mark E. Moore's book Wisdom 52 is a weekly book entry that gives clear and biblical principles in a weekly devotional style set up with some of the devotional being a way to apply this in a practical manner. He does a fantastic job of connecting wisdom in everyday scenarios like decision making, relationships, and how to handle stress. He has a nice balance of of creating a shorter reading entry while still packing meaningful information and gaining insight on our walk with Christ.

This is a great read for people looking for simple, faith-based devotionals that encourages thoughtful, yet real life applications. Would recommend as an individua read but could be fun in a group setting as well.

[reese b · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the way this book is organized. You can go in order or skip around to specific things that you want to read about like money, joy, how to interact with different people in our lives. This book is larger and therefore more daunting than most year devotionals. The devotionals are essay based which is interesting and have scripture sprinkled throughout. At the beggining of every chapter it gives you a breakdown of the week’s reading along with discussion questions which is really cool. Love the set up!

Thank you PRH Chrisitan for the book!

[Tri · Rating 1 out of 5]

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free copy*

This would’ve been a so-so devotional had it not pivoted to put down gay and trans people. I don’t appreciate the othering of these folks during devotionals, especially in this climate.