Four young men have grown up around our dining room table, and the book of Proverbs has shown up as a regular on the breakfast menu, along with the oatmeal and the eggs. Liz Curtis Higgs asked hundreds of her readers to choose their favorite verses from the Proverbs and then narrowed the list down to the top 31 Proverbs to Light Your Path, a month’s worth of daily wisdom, comfort — and jarring insights.
Liz loves words and has dug deep into each text, phrase by phrase, holding the truth up to the light and turning it slowly so as to appreciate each facet. The proverbs are all about wisdom, but the goal Liz has in mind is to assist her readers in savoring God’s goodness. God’s words are an invitation to individual spiritual growth and a deep source of satisfaction for “the hunger no breakfast can satisfy.” (14)
Drawing from personal examples and her own humorous observations of life on this planet, Liz brings unique and refreshing insights to much-beloved sacred words:
“A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2)
Of the 31 Proverbs in the book, 13 have the word but right in the middle. Liz compares but to “a hinged door” that “leads to another possibility or an important comparison. But can also serve as a flashing light, a warning, a stop sign.” (18)
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” (Proverbs 11:13)
A chatty personality is delightful, and it can come in handy, I’m sure, when Liz is on the road with people coming and going in her life all the time, but she shares the dark side of loving to talk, and the proverbs offer a path of freedom away from the sins that bind us and the bad habits that slow our growth toward righteousness.
In fact, more than a hundred verses in Proverbs focus on the power of words to wound or heal. Having experienced the down side of this equation, Liz invites her readers to dream along with her about a life in which the only words we speak to one another are “pleasant” and “kind” and “fair.” (Proverbs 16:24)
“Anxiety weights down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” (Proverbs 12:25)
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)
Anxiety and depression are a reality that cannot be shrugged off with a scriptural band aid. Liz knows from her own experience of swallowing pride and swallowing the daily pill for depression that the “cheerful heart” and anxiety free living are not empty promises — but there are bio-chemical realities that must be faced head on.
And just in case anyone has become discouraged in their reading of Proverbs as a list of good deeds for the habitual do-gooder, Liz makes the important distinction between “doing a good thing” and “doing a God thing.” Generous living and joyous giving flow from a relationship with the God who owns all things.
When Proverbs 18:10 declares that “the name of the Lord is a “fortified tower” and encourages readers to “run to it” for safety, it’s helpful to have a concrete image to connect with the name of the Lord, and Liz has added something to my tool belt: a list of twenty-six names of God in alphabetical order for memorization and meditation. (Thanks, Liz!)
The hands-on, boots on the ground mentality of 31 Proverbs to Light Your Path makes it clear that the light on our path is godly wisdom that emanates from wise choices, righteous deeds, and an intentional following of God that happens over a life time. Each of the 31 Proverbs comes with a One Minute, One Step practical application. Suggestions range from the very simple — list everything you are grateful for — to the more intensely meddling assignment of initiating reconciliation with someone we have wronged, hurt, or offended.
With Bible study questions in the back of the book along with complementary passages that allow Scripture to comment on Scripture, Liz has crafted a resource for individual use or for small group study. The application of ancient truth to a thoroughly modern life begins with opening the pages of Scripture and allowing the Spirit of God to speak Truth into our words, our relationships, and our motives as we are led along His straight paths.
//
This book was provided by Waterbrook Multnomah through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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This looks like a great book Michele. I try and read a chapter a day from the book of Proverbs. Looks like Liz Curtis Higgs has some valuable insight into some of these special verses. Thanks for writing this review. ~ Abby
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Liz brings so much wisdom, humor, and insight to her writing. I really enjoyed this book.
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There is so much in Proverbs that guides us to live better lives. This book sounds like a great accompaniment to this treasure trove.
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I’m partial to books that help us to make religion an every day affair and this one certainly sounds like that. Thanks for this review, Michele.
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Thanks for reading, Corinne.
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I’m just starting on this book and really enjoying it. So practical! Loved reading your thoughts on it, as I visit from Glimpses this week.
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I always enjoy hearing from people who are reading the same books! Thanks for taking time to comment!
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I love the book of Proverbs … you could just sit all week with one verse and be fully satisfied. Liz’s book sounds powerful and practical … having lived through anxiety and depression and working with women who do battle with the same, I so appreciate these words of encouragement –>’there are bio-chemical realities that must be faced head on.’
Thanks for a superb {as always} review, friend.
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Yes to sitting all week with one verse! In fact when I go crashing headlong into the Proverbs, the first thing I always feel is overwhelmed. I want to sit and ponder each verse or each chunk of wisdom. I thought Liz’s approach was very helpful, taking a verse or a concept supported by a couple of verses and then examining the truth word by word.
Thanks, Linda, for your encouraging words here!
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I love the wisdom that is found in Proverbs, especially for women. I look forward to adding this book to my library. Thank you for sharing.
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Oh, hooray! Good to be able to offer encouraging books to other readers!
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Amen! Loved your post!!
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Thanks, Julia!
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I’ve enjoyed a few others of Liz’s books, and this sounds like a good one, too. I love the practicality of Proverbs.
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Liz writes like a friend sharing a great piece of news — which of course she is doing in her presentation of truth. And she manages to say hard things in a way that feels very compassionate.
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I love Proverbs! There is so much wisdom that can be used for daily life and I have heard some wonderful things about this book. Thank you for the wonderful review of this book.
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I’ve read a few really positive reviews besides my own, so it does seem to resonate with a lot of people.
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Did you just write this review for the grins or were you CHOSEN?
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You sound like such a Calvinist.
This book was available for review through the Blogging for Books program (bloggingforbooks.com), so I requested it.
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Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
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Michele,
I absolutely LOVE Liz!! This is one of her books I have not yet read, but I have put in on my list. Such wisdom about our tongues in the Proverbs and I’m certain Liz adds her own special levity and personal experience on how we need to shuteth our lips. Praying for her has she fights endometrial cancer. What a testimony she will (and does) have!
Blessings,
Bev xx
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Yes, Liz has her own way of expressing truth, and I’m thankful for this reminder to pray for her as she battles cancer.
Thanks, Bev.
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It looks like a great book to read, ponder, and put into action. I love proverbs and its continued relevance for today. Thank you and God bless!
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Yes, as we’ve shared it with our boys, I am continually amazed at how it applies to situations we encounter all the time.
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I always enjoy the writings of Liz Curtis Higgs. I didn’t know about this book so I’m glad to hear of it. We have so much to learn from Proverbs, no matter how many times we go through it.
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Yes, and it’s always nice to have a wise guide.
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This sounds great. I didn’t realise there were so many Proverbs about the power of words. I’ll have to look into that some more.
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Can you tell that this is something I need to pay attention to? 🙂 I always mention the points that catch me in my points of weakness.
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I love Liz Curtis Higgs and didn’t know about this book. It looks good! I remember when she was asking for those verses way back when! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this. I need to go back to the book of Proverbs.
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Yes, imagine turning a FB poll into a book! This woman has the gift.
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I love Liz and have heard her speak on several occasions. Her humor mixed with honesty make her likable. I am sure this book on the Proverbs is a mix of the same. I have a similar book of Liz’s- 31 verses to write on your heart. I started the book but it has been packed away. I will have to pull it back out.
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How wonderful that Liz has been in your neighborhood! Hmm . . I wonder if she’ll ever come to Maine?
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I love Proverbs and how easy it is to apply to my life. This book sounds great!
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Yes, the book of Proverbs doesn’t mess around! It cuts right to the bone!
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Love this book!
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I’ll be adding this book to my Amazon Wish List! Proverbs is a guiding light in my life. Thank you for sharing this review!
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Great to know, Robin! We’ve been reading through Proverbs with our youngest son at breakfast, and I want to add Liz’s thoughts to the menu.
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Proverbs has always been one of my favorites. For years a Proverb and Psalm was my Bible reading plan — along with my breakfast. I guess I knew early on I would need help with my words. : ) I love the idea of diving deeper and Liz always brings a freshness to what she shares. Thank you for introducing this book to me, Michele!
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Glad to share books with friends. And this one I’m sure I”ll return to again.
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Looks like a sweet book, Michele. And, what a treat to have a Names of God list as well. I love the study of the names of God. Liz Curtis Higgs is so special, isn’t she? Such a treat to see her at She Speaks this year. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, friend.
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Wow! You got to hear her in person! That must have been incredible.
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So much to love here. The proverbs are so rich in practical wisdom. Thanks for sharing about this great book! Blessings!
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Yes, so much depth and practical wisdom!
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I loved the statement “doing a God thing.” What a wonderful way of approaching life. Thanks for your insights on this book.
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Thanks for reading, Connie!
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makes me want to buy it! proverbs can be complicated in their simplicity – this sounds like a great and applicable read. thanks, friend.
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What a good piece. Thought provoking. Good message.
God bless you for putting it down.
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Thanks so much for reading and for taking time to comment!
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I loved learning more about Proverbs. You shared some great information. Thanks for being so faithful the #LMMLinkup each week. I love reading your posts.
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Thanks, Mary! You are a real encouragement!
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This: “Anxiety weights down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” (Proverbs 12:25) is my favorite. Because when you get anxious, you feel like NOTHING will pick you out of it, but often it is a kind word, a small thing, that works the miracle. I love the idea of picking 31, a manageable amount, from Proverbs and carrying those close to your heart. I’m off to Google this book.
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Yes, I agree. Anything that will make the book of Proverbs more manageable is a gift. Whenever I do a read through I get overwhelmed. It’s all good advice and sound thinking, but one can only apply so much of it at a time.
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I’ve heard of Liz Curtis Higgs but have not yet read her work- thanks for this helpful review : ) I think I’ll be adding to my Christmas list!
Also, I wanted to let you know you’re nominated for a blogging award. Congratulations! The details, if you want to participate, are in this link: http://firstandsecondblog.com/read/
Grateful for you and your love for our Savior!
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Liz is a hoot, and at the same time a very serious student of the Word. I reviewed her women of Easter book in the spring of this year, and it was also stunning.
And thank you for including me in your list of women that I have so much respect for. What a humbling thing to read on a Sunday afternoon.
And congratulations on double barrel awards for you and your lovely blog!
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I do love the Book of Proverbs. It can be so encouraging, and enlightening too. I relaly enjoyed this post, Michele! Thank you also for sharing the Hearth and Soul Link Party button on your site. Have a lovely week ahead.
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Proverbs is so full of wisdom — and it can be overwhelming to me at times, so I appreciated Liz bringing the spotlight onto just a few selected passages in depth.
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Proverbs is indeed full of modern day wisdom. I have always loved Proverbs 31! Saw this at Over the Moon today!
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I like that one, too — as long as I don’t turn it into a club to beat myself over the head with!
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Sounds like another good book! I just finished reading Proverbs with my English class and they enjoyed it and they gave me new insights. Fun stuff!
Stopping by from #inspirememonday
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Thanks for stopping by, Carol!
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17:22 is my favourite.
Of course, there’s also the Vulcan proverb, “Only Nixon could go to China”.
Still trying to figure that one out.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/10/your-dying-spouse-383-caregiver-will.html
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Thank you for introducing me to this little detail of Vulcan culture. 🙂
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Michele, I am immediately convicted by the first proverb and how our minds can so distort things and lead us into trouble. How we think we can read another’s heart and all the chaos this creates in our earthly relationships. A lot to ponder!
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The proverbs meddle with us, don’t they? And it’s always in ways that I need to be meddled with. Thanks for sharing your application of those wise words.
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Thanks for making us aware of this. I like this author! Blessings from Espressos of Faith!
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I loved this author’s parables for children books! I hadn’t seen this new one yet! Thank you for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com! I appreciate it!
Tina
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Me, too! I’ve read the Pumpkin Patch Parable for years and even used it with church kids.
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Thanks for the great review of this book on Proverbs. You make me want to get it and read it. Proverbs seem to have an answer for every situation.
Kathleen
Blogger’s Pit Stop
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The Proverbs do have a way of bringing spirituality into every day life — something we need to do in order to be living out our faith.
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[…] their favorite verses from the book of Proverbs. Well, she narrowed the list down to the top 31 Proverbs to Light Your Path, a month’s worth of daily wisdom, comfort — and jarring insights. The application of ancient […]
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Great reading thank you for sharing.
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