This month, we're opening a book that has sold more than 5 billion copies, earning it the distinction of “Best-selling book of non-fiction” in the Guinness Book of World Records. Translated into thousands of languages, this book has lasted for thousands of years.
Yep, we're talking about the Bible. Specifically, the book of Proverbs. Before you hit close because I *gasp* brought the Bible into the picture, consider for a moment that this is a book that has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. There's a good reason for that.
You may or may not know, but the Bible is not simply one book, it is an entire library of books which were collected and bound together. This is an amazing book collection that spans many centuries and many generations.
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| Books of the Bible |
One of my favorite books of the Bible, Proverbs, is the one we are reading this month. This is primarily written by King Solomon, a name synonymous with Wisdom. Solomon attempts to pass along a lifetime of wisdom to his children and his people in this book. Every time I read this book I get more out of it, you'll get different things as well depending on what stage of life you are in, so even if you have read it before I encourage you to read it again. For me, it seems to get better and better as I get older and experience more things.
Here's the intro to what you'll be reading.
Proverbs 1:1-6 – The Message (MSG) version
Wise Sayings of Solomon
A Manual for Living
These are the wise sayings of Solomon,
David’s son, Israel’s king—
Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right,
to understand what life means and where it’s going;
A manual for living,
for learning what’s right and just and fair;
To teach the inexperienced the ropes
and give our young people a grasp on reality.
There’s something here also for seasoned men and women,
still a thing or two for the experienced to learn—
Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate,
the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.
This is considered poetry, so it is interesting to read. The Bible has been translated many times, so you should be aware that there are numerous translations. I recommend starting with The Message (MSG) translation as it is one of the easiest versions to read in my opinion.
Keep in mind this book has been around for thousands of years and was not originally written in English. If you remember the Bible containing a lot of old English thou's, thee's, and generally being tough to read, you probably read an older translation such as the popular King James Version (KJV). More recent translations like The Message (MSG) and the New International Version (NIV) have updated and modernized the language which makes it much easier for the average person to read. Using a newer translation makes this book a lot easier to read, so be sure check one of those out.
A book of wisdom that has stood the test of time, I know you'll get a lot out of this month's selection if you give it a chance. Enjoy!
If you need a Bible, I recommend The Message Study Bible. You can also download the Bible app or read it on your computer for free at Bible.com. Not yet signed up for our book of the month club? Enter your email on one of the forms on this page and I'll send you the next one!