A Womans Wisdom: How the Book of Proverbs Speaks to Everything by Lydia Brownback

A Womans Wisdom: How the Book of Proverbs Speaks to Everything Reviews

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  Rebeca

  A Sabedoria é melhor que ouro fino e joias raras. Quando buscamos a face de Cristo através das promessas contidas na Palavra com temor encontramos a gloriosa Sabedoria. Louvado seja Deus que não nega a Sabedoria a nenhum que a pede.
  O livro foi muito bem escrito e Lydia Brownback traz verdades preciosas às páginas da obra. Entretanto, há alguns pontos bem perigosos para a cristã. Recomendo a leitura para aquelas que estão dispostas a estarem com os dois olhos bem abertos e uma mente saturada das Palavras do Senhor Jesus, para que aquilo que não é proveitoso possa ser reprovado e descartado.
  
  
  
• 
  Kara

  I've spent quite a few weeks slowly working my way through A Woman's Wisdom: How the Book of Proverbs Speaks to Everything, absorbing all the nuggets of wisdom it contains.
  
  And of course, wisdom is exactly what this study focuses on. Author Lydia Brownback takes readers through the book of Proverbs with the perspective that true wisdom is found only in Christ:
  
  "Improving our lives is not the objective of Proverbs, even though following it's instructions will generally better our lot. The point of the book is to direct us to the Giver of wisdom...Wisdom is a person, and wise is what we become through our union with him. The outworkings of wisdom-it's fruit-discussed in the following chapters are all rooted in this truth." (p. 12)
  
  Beginning with a clear foundation of the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom, Ms. Brownback applies the book of Proverbs to women and their lives, continually pointing the reader back to Christ and our identity in him. The book is divided into three parts:
  
  Part One: What is Wisdom and Why Does it Matter? Based on chapters 1-3 and 8-9 of Proverbs, this section looks at why pursuing biblical wisdom is the primary calling of every Christian woman.
  
  Part Two: Six Things Wise Women Know. This section applies biblical wisdom to six aspects of a woman's life: her words, friendships, physical appetites, emotions, money, and sexuality.
  
  Part Three: A Portrait of Wisdom. The last section brings the first two parts together in Proverbs 31, which is a biblical illustration of all that was studied before.
  There's a thorough study guide included in the back of the book for individual or group use.
  
  I absolutely love this book. The breadth of topics the book covers as it works through Proverbs covers such a wide range, and yet does it without being superficial. I love that it applies to women of every age and in any life situation: young or old, married or single, children or no children, career or homemaker. Every page is worthwhile, but I have to say that part three is phenomenal. I've read many, many studies of Proverbs 31 and I think this is probably the best treatment I've ever seen.
  
  A Woman's Wisdom is a treasure. It's both encouraging and convicting, incredibly practical, and absolutely gospel-saturated and Christ-centered. It's wonderful for personal study, and would make a fantastic group study too. It's definitely going on my list of highly recommended books!
  
  Thanks so much to Crossway for providing a review copy of this book to me! All opinions are my own.
  
  Read the rest of my review here:
  http://homewithpurpose.blogspot.com/2...
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  Vivien Naomi Lee

  I like the intentions and thoughts behind the book. It is firmly rooted in the Scripture and very good points were made here and there. However, I thought that it may seem a bit too dry and heavy for most people. I was initially looking for a book that would help me in discipling my younger girls, but the way the book is written isn't ideal for such a study, because it seems like a lot of lecturing. A monologue about what the Bible says, what we must do, how we should think, and I guess it comes off as a bit harsh and discouraging when it says 'Wise women do this. Wise women do that.' It is not very relational. It doesn't have much lead-in to the topic, it just comes to you point after point, chunk after chunk, even before you start to digest or think through the content. I do also feel like that points made were a bit simplistic and extremely little room for discussion or sharing or thought, which isn't very engaging. This could be due to my own expectations of what the book should have been like. This book may be more suitable for a more mature (emotionally and mentally) audience who is not familiar with Proverbs or the concept of love and marriage in the Bible. If you have already read Proverbs and are more or less with the main ideas surrounding love and marriage in the Bible, this book may not be an easy or comfortable read. You will find yourself desiring more and finding none, but having to plough through a lot of words on content you have already heard of.
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  Clara

  Interested in wisdom but feeling daunted about "God's Wisdom"? Feeling chasing after something completely intangible? Well, ladies AND gents (yes, even though this is geared towards women, every word speaks true even to the opposite gender), this is an amazing book, filled with every day insights and encouragements. it's not at all like a devotional where we must read then reflect, per day, per feeling of that day, etc. This is a well thought out and so realistic, it's like...WAIT, WHY DON"T I PRAY THIS WAY? WAIT, WHY DON"T I THINK THIS WAY? The "magic" of it all is that it constantly points to the scripture, not just to proverbs but to both OT & NT. It was such a blessing to read this, very timely in my life right now. HIGHLY recommended! Would make a great & thoughtful gift to know you love.
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  AMBER

  Proverbs ≠ spiritualized means for self-improvement, as most think. Proverbs was written to point the reader to the Author Himself while bestowing practical, biblical wisdom. Wisdom is a Person. Wise is what we become through our union with Him, in faith and obedience.
  
  To put it plainly, I needed this book. There were many takeaways that pointed to Jesus and His finished work that I am thankful to have read and pondered.
  
  Read this book if you're seeking wisdom...and He will surely oblige: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." --JAMES 1:5
  
  
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  Lindsay

  The content is good for the most part. I think I expected more because I love Lydia Brownback’s devotionals. This book seemed a little too scattered. I’m sad to say that I also found the writing to be a little boring.
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  Tammie

  Very straightforward, no-frills, no candycoating. One quote I like: "Women of wise words are those whose hearts are being transformed by Christ while recognizing that real and lasting change comes only as they ponder all //his// words."
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  Lydia June Woods

  It was okay. Nothing incredible but not a bad book either.
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  Bambi Moore

  I nearly stopped reading my Kindle version, to buy a hard copy. Practical applications made from book of Proverbs. Speaks to many of the issues that average women face. Highly recommend.
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  Marina

  Excellent, very helpful and practical book about Proverbs!
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  Gabriela Miranda

  Livro incrível!!
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  Jennie

  Great book for women of all ages and older teens.
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  Staci

  Although the book of Proverbs was written as advice to young men in ancient Israel, it provides wisdom for all human beings. In A Woman’s Widsom: How the Book of Proverbs Speaks to Everything, Lydia Brownback takes that advice and applies it to the lives of 21st century women. But this is not just a book of helpful hints for an easier life. As Lydia writes in the preface:
  Because the book of Proverbs provides us with a poetic road map of how God has designed the world to work, following its practical day-to-day guidance will surely make your life more pleasant. But disconnected from its divine source, even this will prove hollow in the end.
  Throughout the book, Lydia takes us through the book of Proverbs, but more importantly points us to our ultimate hope, found only in Christ.
  
  The nine chapters of this book are divided in three parts. Part one discusses what wisdom is and why it matters. The heart of the book, part two, explores six things wise women know. These six chapters cover our words, friendship, self-control, feelings, finances, and sex. The final part is an in-depth look at Proverbs 31.
  
  All the book is solidly biblical and helpful. The final chapter on Proverbs 31 was, in my opinion, the strongest chapter in the book. This chapter is often boiled down to a giant, unrealistic “to-do” list, but Lydia managed to bring out the heart issues behind the actions, all while grounding it in the gospel.
  
  I also enjoyed the study guide at the end. This is not just a handful of discussion questions tacked on the end, but a thorough exploration of the principles in every chapter. The questions meatier than those of many Bible studies on the market today. The book also provides a web address where the study guide can be printed out at a larger size, which would be very helpful.
  
  And though were not supposed to judge books this way, I found the cover to be exceptionally pretty, which is a plus.
  
  This book would be a good choice for a book study or to use in a discipling setting. Even if you feel you don’t need advice in say, finances, you might find something to think about. This is a solid resource for Christian women.
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  Mercedes Cordero

  This is so much more than a book: it's an in-depth look at the book of Proverbs and the Bible in general on the matter of wisdom; it's a Bible study for you, your Bible group, the women's group in your church that will help you grow in your understanding of who you are and who you should grow to be in the Lord. This is a great tool for any church and any individual seeking to be more Christlike. It's a look at wisdom as a result of someone who fears and trusts in God and believes in Jesus as her savior, and lives her life accordingly.
  
  It is extremely well written. The author goes right to the point (which is a big thing for me), very straightforward, using simple terms; very wise and precise. It will lead you to take a good look at yourself, at who you think you are and who you really are, and it will guide you along the way in your path to wisdom and growing in the knowledge of God. It also explores the many blessings of living wisely, as beautifully stated in Proverbs 31. The author does a great job of explaining how you can really be a virtuous woman, what it means to be one. But I want to be very clear: this is not a step by step guide on becoming wise. It is a book on biblical wisdom, which starts with knowing, loving, trusting and fearing God and continues on with our growing in His knowledge. Wisdom is God-given but we also have to work at it.
  
  Excellent book that I will be reading again. I highly recommend it.
  
  *I received a copy of this book from Crossway through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
• 
  Coralie

  She starts, as should all books of this sort, by laying a clear foundation of the gospel, and clearly laying out the truth upon which all studies of wisdom must be built: the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. In the Preface, she says, “The point of [Proverbs] is to direct us to the Giver of wisdom. . . .Wisdom is a Person, and wise is what we become through our union with him. The outworkings of wisdom – it’s fruit – discussed in the following chapters are all rooted in this truth.” With such a root, this book is a firm tree of biblical direction.
  
  The book itself is laid out in a very clear manner. Part One is “What is Wisdom and Why Does It Matter” a fairly detailed comparison of wisdom and folly as found in Proverbs 1-3 and 8-9. Part Two is “Six Things Wise Women Know” dealing with her words, her friendships, her physical appetites, her emotions and her money and her sexuality. Finally, in Part Three, “A Portrait of Wisdom” Brownback takes a detailed look at the Proverbs 31 woman who has terrified and/or enraged women for millennia.
  
  This is a fantastically gospel centered book that contains quotes from John Calvin, and the Larger Catechism. I think you should all go buy it (I may have already said that). I am going to recommend it to our women’s ministry team as a bible study
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  IrenesBookReviews

  Wow what an awesome book! I loved every page and will be reading this book again and again. There is so much to learn and it is very easy to understand. The author, Lydia Brownback, does an excellent job making this a definite read for every woman. We all need wisdom in different areas of our lives. This book will show you that by understanding Christ, we will better understand the principles He is teaching in the book of Proverbs.
  
  Every chapter has helpful information but the last chapter of the book delves into Proverbs 31 and is the best chapter. This chapter alone is worth buying the book for. I have read many books on Proverbs 31 and found this particular chapter in this book to have very realistic advice. Her explanations of the verses are practical and enlightening as well. The study questions at the end of the book are also excellent. There are extra verses to look up and questions to think about. A great way to really explore each chapter is to go through these study questions as well.
  
  I gave this book 5/5 stars because it is exceptional and deserves it!
  
  I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
  
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  Glenajo

  This is not really a book to sit down and read it is more of a Bible Study. Lydia Brownback focuses on the Book of Proverbs, and systematically goes through different areas of life connecting each area to the advice in Proverbs, backing it up with other scripture. The book is very interesting, but rather difficult to read. It is written more to younger women, but there are parts that apply to women of all ages. It is more like lifelong advice from an older relative or a mother that turns your focus to the Bible for direction. . In today’s world, we often forget to connect our lives to Biblical direction with all the distractions; this book helps to turn your eyes and heart back to the source of direction.
  
  If you did not grow up in a strong Christian family with the benefit of Bible based advice, this book will be a good source of Christian advice for you. If you just need to hear it from another source, or need a refresher, it book is an excellent way to get that support.
  
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  Tima

  The author takes the book of Proverbs and applies it to women. It's probably not a new concept, but it's a great one. I enjoyed the practical applications and how each section and piece of wisdom was broken down into something we could use and apply today.
  
  This book would make a great study guide for a women's Bible study group. The chapters are relatively short and a study guide is included in the back. There are nine weeks if using this as a weekly study guide.
  
  I think my only minor complaint is that at times it felt a little dry. It wasn't often, but enough that I remembered it at the end when thinking about what to say for the review. It's a great book and well worth the occasional slow spots.
  
  I received this book free of charge from Crossway in exchange for my honest review.
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  Rachel

  Pretty decent book on the subject of developing wisdom. Disagreed with some points, but that wouldn't prevent me from recommending it to other women. As a book targeted specifically for ladies, the knee-jerk reaction would be to write an entire work on the Proverbs 31 woman; it's been done before. But Lydia sidesteps that approach and adeptly conveys the how's and why's of wisdom--all across the book of Proverbs. She explains the biblical description, the method of obtaining it and explores the practical points of how to put it to use.
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  Desri

  We, me and my christian friends, use this book as our discussion paper every week. This is a good book. The author describes every single of the problems clearly and practically. As a woman, who is created as helper, this book and its study question, will help us to know the wisdom practically. More importantly this book emphasises that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10 NIV)."
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  Faith Jones

  I enjoyed this book; however, I felt like Ms. Brownback failed to truly connect with me and the group of girls with whom I read the book. Her tone came across as judgmental at times, and we felt as though she was speaking down to us. More examples from her personal life would have helped her seem more human to us.
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  Heather

  This is an excellent introduction to wisdom, and Brownback talks about the importance of connecting to Christ as the source of all wisdom. However, the following application chapters are all about how-to-become-wise. The application misses the depth of being intimately connected to the gospel, which is the only hope any of us have to become biblically wise.
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  Scott

  Clear and pointed wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Even though the book is clearly directed toward women, there is much for men to learn from it as well. I especially appreciated her chapter on the noble wife of Proverbs 31.
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  Joni

  loved this book! Loved how the author clearly states where wisdom comes from... "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Prov 9:10) Really enjoyed the 6 things broken down in part 2. An easy read, with great study guide questions, and a book that will inspire.
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  Susan G Young

  This book is not just for married women. It is for all women, single or married. You could even go through this book with your high school age daughter. I love the book of Proverbs and enjoyed the insight Lydia brought on what makes a woman wise. I highly recommend
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  Bethany

  Covered a wide variety of topics with varying depth, including the one that most affected me on the power of speech. Would likely have been more fruitful for me, I think, had I done the study guide type questions that come in the back, but instead I mostly just read through.
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  Heather Carrillo

  My review can be found here:
  http://www.readingtoknow.com/2012/06/...