*Proverbs For You and Solomon Says: 2 Books for Graduates

Two recent, excellent books on Proverbs offer biblical wisdom and counsel, perfect for new graduates.

Note: both of these books target new adults (and up). Before handing these books to younger teens, consider previewing the books. Proverbs is very frank in its discussions of sexuality, in particular, and good study guides on the book generally follow suit.

*Proverbs For You by Kathleen Nielson. The Good Book Company, 2020. 224 pages.

Reading Level: Teen/Adult, ages 15 and up

Recommended For: Ages 15 and up

Proverbs is for everyone, even you! Part of The Good Book Company’s God’s Word For You Series, Proverbs for You helps readers read God’s Word, feed on God’s Word, and lead others to do the same. Unlike a verse-by-verse commentary, this readable guide looks at Proverbs as a whole and in large chunks. Nielson approaches Proverbs in a linear fashion, examining the book from start to finish, rather than the typical thematic treatment of Proverbs (i.e. looking at key themes like “friendship” or “speech”). Our pursuit of wisdom must be anchored in the fear of the Lord and in an understanding of biblical wisdom. From there, Nielson discusses several chapters at once in each chapter, devoting her final chapter to the famous Proverbs 31 woman.

I particularly appreciated Nielson’s literary treatment of Proverbs as she highlights the poetic structure and other literary forms that aid our understanding. She is not a seminary trained theologian, and she doesn’t ask the reader to mine the depths of obscure Hebrew meanings.** However, her text is insightful, biblical, and direct. Proverbs for You is a fantastic entry point to a robust study of Proverbs; in fact, it might provide a better starting point than a commentary precisely because it examines Proverbs in its whole, offering a sound framework from which to dive in deeper to select verses and topics. Nielson’s treatment of the famous Proverbs 31 woman is excellent. The accompanying study guide is solid, but not necessary. The book itself includes thought-provoking questions and is helpfully sub-divided for easier use.

**For an excellent commentary on Proverbs, see Proverbs by Derek Kidner (affiliate link)

*indicates a starred review

Overall Rating: 4.75 out of 5

• Worldview/Moral Rating: 5 out of 5
• Literary/Artistic Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Read more about our ratings here.

Solomon Says: Directives for Young Men by Mark Horne. Athanasius Press, 2020. 166 pages.

Reading Level: Teen/Adult, ages 15 and up

Recommended For: Ages 15 and up

Horne’s text is immediately relatable to young people: he compares maturing in wisdom to learning to drive, and Solomon to a driver’s ed teacher. Although topically organized, Solomon Says maintains a clear view of the bigger picture of Proverbs, and Horne frequently refers to other Scripture passages to aid understanding. Horne breaks Proverbs up into 9 key lessons including ruling yourself, immorality, “sheathing” your tongue, and more. He makes an interesting argument that Proverbs helps us become kings, not slaves; the first person you rule is yourself. He also focuses on the Dominion Mandate, arguing that the Dominion Mandate can be simplified for young men as “work and wife.” Much of the book of Proverbs concerns these two facets of maturing and growing in wisdom. Horne’s emphasis (and capitalization of) the Dominion Mandate may cause some readers to pause, but his vocabulary and examples are contemporary and solid. Any young man will find wise counsel in these pages and encouragement to get to work! Pursue wisdom, govern yourself, and seek the Lord.

Some of Horne’s rhetoric borders on the “God will empower you if you pursue these things” idea, but he is also quick to acknowledge that the pursuit of wisdom is the goal:

Wisdom may not find a way out of bad circumstances, but it will provide even material blessings for you compared to what you would receive if you embraced folly. … You may not reach those lifelong goals by being wise, but your chances are much better if you embrace wisdom. Your actions will get you closer to your goals rather than putting more distance between you and them. Furthermore, the process will nurture your growth in wisdom, which is more precious than the goal itself (Proverbs. 3:15).

~Horne, p. 111

Solomon Says targets young men in its subtitle, but its contents are applicable to both genders (a point Horne makes early on, although he continues to directly address young men and much of his content specifically applies to young men in particular). Solomon himself address his own son in the book of Proverbs, so Horne’s approach coincides, although some young women may rather use the guide by Nielson, above. I would have liked to see a bit more grace mixed in with the pursuit of virtue, but Solomon Says would nonetheless make a great group study for a young men’s group or a father and sons. Horne is a straight-shooter and young men will appreciate his directness.

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Worldview/Moral Rating: 4.75 out of 5
• Literary/Artistic Rating: 4.25 out of 5

Related Reading From Redeemed Reader

• A Review: Wise Words by Peter Leithart is an excellent resource on Proverbs for families
• A Resource: More family fun: Trickster Tales and Proverbs (a book list with Proverbs connections)
• A Resource: Graduation Gift List!

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