Press Kit: Discovering Wisdom in Proverbs

Interview Questions

Here are two lists of questions, one for an apologetics-themed interview and the other for a family-themed show. A few questions are in both.

Apologetics Theme

1. Why did you want to write this book?
2. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Many Christians are confused by this because they think that contradicts 1 John 4:18, which says, “perfect love casts out all fear.”
3. What does the fear of the Lord being the beginning of wisdom tell us about seeking counsel from non-Christians?
4. Proverbs 19:3 says, “When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord.” Why is this important to recognize when we’re talking to people about why God allows disasters like hurricanes and floods?
5. Some proverbs appear to promise things that aren’t always the case. For example, Proverbs 16:7 says, “When the ways of people please the Lord, he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them.” But Jesus pleased the Lord, and his enemies killed him. Should we read Proverbs as promises?
6. Paul wrote in Romans 3:30 that no one is righteous. But Proverbs calls some people righteous. Is that a contradiction?
7. There’s a modern-day proverb that says, “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission.” What does Proverbs say about that?
8. Many proverbs are about sexual relationships, and our society is sexually charged (if not sexually insane). Christians are often called narrow minded bigots. How would you begin to talk to those who think that?
9. Some people are confused over why Hebrews 11:32 puts Jephthah in the list of faithful people. After all, he promised God that if he won a battle, he would sacrifice whatever came out of his house to greet him. That turned out to be his daughter. In your book, you put Jephthah in the category of the simple. Why is that?
10. Some proverbs are similar to proverbs of other cultures, so some say Solomon copied them from non-Jewish sources. Is that the case?
11. Politicians argue over the best way to deal with poverty, especially with rising homelessness. What does Proverbs say about helping the poor?
12. How does Discovering Wisdom in Proverbs help readers engage with Scripture?

Family Theme

1. Why did you want to write this book?
2. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Many Christians are confused by this because they think that contradicts 1 John 4:18, which says, “perfect love casts out all fear.”
3. What does the fear of the Lord being the beginning of wisdom tell us about seeking counsel from non-Christians?
4. Besides fearing the Lord, what else is important for seeking wisdom?
5. Some proverbs appear to promise things that aren’t always the case. For example, Proverbs 16:7 says, “When the ways of people please the Lord, he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them.” But Jesus pleased the Lord, and his enemies killed him. Should we read Proverbs as promises?
6. How can Proverbs 3:5-6 help Christians facing difficulties?
7. Proverbs 7:25 reads, “Let not your heart turn aside to [the seducer’s] ways” What are ways people today are not controlling their hearts?
8. Proverbs has a lot to say about raising children. What’s your favorite proverb about childrearing?
9. There are a lot of interpretations of Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” What’s your take?
10. Proverbs 31 paints a picture of the excellent wife. Many women find this chapter discouraging. What do you say to them?
11. Proverbs 17:9 reads, “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” How have you applied that to your relationships?
12. Proverbs talks about handing money wisely to protect the family. Some proverbs about money use words that people aren’t familiar with, such as “surety.” What is surety and how does it apply today?
13. How does Discovering Wisdom in Proverbs help readers engage with Scripture?

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