Proverbs 1-9

The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries

by Michael V. Fox

In Proverbs 1–9, Bible scholar Michael V. Fox translates and explains the meaning of the first nine chapters of this profound, timeless book, and examines their place in the intellectual history of ancient Israel. This thorough study of Proverbs includes a survey of the collections of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, as well as innovative and insightful comments. In addition to the translation and commentary proper, Fox includes several extended thematic essays on Proverbs 1–9, covering such themes as the origins of personified wisdom, what wisdom is, and where wisdom can be heard, plus an appendix of textual notes. The format of the commentary makes it accessible to the general reader and also provides materials of special interest to scholars. This is the first of a two-volume commentary that accords Proverbs the depth of study it deserves.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Reference

496 pages, Paperback

First published September 19, 2000

Reviews

[Ethan Sink · Rating 4 out of 5]

As commentaries go, this was actually quite pleasant to read through. Fox has a unique wit that pairs well with Proverbs. I especially enjoyed the essays in the back.

[Pamela Thomas]

I've been working my way through the Anchor Bibles and actually just completed them through Ecclesiastes. I began them because I wanted a thorough non-denominational commentary on the Bible and couldn't seem to find such. The first few Anchor Bibles were very good and just what I wanted in providing background and different interpretations of events. However, as I read further the works seemed to spiral into a more scholarly tradition which provided more on translation, Hebrew words, etc. and less on the overview I was looking for.

Since then I have discovered the HarperColli ns Bible Commentary and the HarperCollins Study Bible. I find that by reading them side by side I am getting the information I need with much less wading through scholarly details that don't interest me and for which I don't have the background. Yesterday I studied the short book of Song of Songs (about 10 pages) in about an hour and felt I got the overview I was looking for. Then I pulled down the Anchor Bible for Song of Songs and found it to be over 700 pages long! That was a clear message to me it is time to switch directions, and I am satisfied with the HarperColins study aids.

[Michael Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best commentary on Proverbs. Evenhanded and thorough exposition. Great bibliography and helpful essays.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly wonderful read. One of the few academic commentaries that I enjoyed reading from cover to cover.

[Micah Lugg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not a typical commentary that I would buy. It was recommended by Justin Taylor. It was certainly helpful and provided good insight into the Hebrew and Jewish aspects of the book.

[Cana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great commentary. I really enjoyed reading it and felt like Fox neither talked down to his readers, nor ignored complex ideas revealed in the text. Definitely a good choice for those interested in the first part of Proverbs or any wisdom literature text.

[Reeds]

I was hoping this book would go verse-by-verse, and give practical ideas about what different things meant. Some verses are obvious, but there are some verses that have references that I don't recognize. It would have been nice to have a down-to-earth explanation of the verses.