The Abcs of Proverbs: The Word to the Wise: an Introduction to Proverbs

By Mary K. Turkington

The book of Proverbs in the Old Testament is chock full of wise sayingsto the extent that you might be a bit overwhelmed. If so, youll love this little book, The ABCs of Proverbs which gives you a taste of the many gems of wisdom found there along with an in-depth look at each of the key verses. You may be surprised at the messages contained therein. As ancient as these writings are, their message is as pertinent today as the latest news flash.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Sep 20, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512755220

Mary K. Turkington

Mary Turkington’s enthusiasm for Proverbs shines forth in the trilogy written concerning this biblical book of wisdom. Proverbs Up Close and Personal, gives a view of how intimately the Lord can be involved in our lives, giving us practical advice for our closest relationships. You’ll love reading stories taken from lessons she’s learned in her own life’s journey.

Book preview

Copyright © 2016 Mary K. Turkington.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission. NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks of Biblica, Inc. Use of either trademark for the offering of goods or services requires the prior written consent of Biblica US, Inc.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

1 [phone]

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-5127-5521-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-5523-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-5522-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016914273

WestBow Press rev. date: 09/16/2016

Contents

Foreword

About the Book of Proverbs

Authors

A is for Animal

B is for Bury

C is for Counsel

D is for Defend

E is for Enemy

F is for Find

G is for Gossip

H is for Hardens

I is for Integrity

J is for Joy

K is for Kind

L is for Light

M is for Mercy

N is for Now

O is for Opinions

P is for Pure

Q is for Quarrelsome

R is for Right

S is for Succeed

T is for Trust

U is for Unpunished

V is for Vent

W is for Wait

X is for eXalt

Y is for Yet

Z is for Zeal

Endnotes

This book is in memory of Mom and Dad, who did their best to bring their wayward child up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Dear Reader,

Thank you for taking the time to read this little book. It has been prepared for you with much study and prayer. I hope you will be blessed by it.

The writings have been set up as devotional readings, so the goal is not for them to be read all at one time—or even one each day. Rather, as you look at each section, there are in some cases not only a key verse or verses but also other verses listed below the meditation and prayer for further consideration. Please take the time, perhaps even another day or two, to consider the key verses and any additional verses that may be added. Each one has something to say to you. Spiritual growth is not necessarily indicated by the amount of scripture you read but on the time you spend praying and meditating on each verse, asking God to open your heart to His message to you.

In these meditations, I have tried to be consistent with the truth of the Bible as proclaimed throughout His Word. However, I will be the first to admit that my words are only true insofar as they agree with and reiterate His. Therefore, I urge you to test what I say against the whole Word of God, that you may with confidence accept and abide by His teachings and count them your own.

If there are themes running through this offering, they are:

1. Jesus’ words to Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength … Love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30, 31).

2. Study God’s Word—the manual for living a blessed life. May this be the desire of your heart as you consider these readings and God’s Word.

Take care, and God bless.

Mary

PS: When I nervously requested my friends C. B. Nagel and Keith McMahan to write the endorsements and Sue Nagel to write the foreword for this book, I emphasized that I was anxious to have them comment on the book only if they felt God was leading them to do so. I wanted them to know that if they felt at all uncomfortable in doing this, they shouldn’t just do it for friendship’s sake.

Upon receiving their responses, I was taken back by their comments about me and felt they should leave out that part, which they would not do (probably because they are such godly folks themselves, that is what they see in others). Please know that if the words in this book are helpful, the only One who deserves any praise is the good Lord Himself, for without His blessing and presence in my life, I am naturally a self-centered and prideful person. However, by knowing this, if you find the book a blessing in spite of my flaws, maybe it will encourage you in your faith walk to know that God can use you, too, even though you may feel you have things in your life that God needs to work on.

Thanks again to you for taking the time to consider my offering and to the Lord who has guided me in this endeavor.

Foreword

I have known Mary most of my life and can truly say she is a Proverbs 31 woman. She is a woman of great depth of character, kindness, wisdom, and love. As I read The ABCs of Proverbs, I feel as though I am sitting with Mary and listening to her words of wisdom as we enjoy a cup of coffee together. She continues to direct my heart and spirit to God’s Word and His wisdom, love, grace, and goodness. She writes of praise to God for His faithfulness, about our sorrow for sin, and of the wonder of what Jesus Christ