This commentary didn't meet my expectations. The introduction felt more like the author's opinion than a factual history, and the academic style was overwhelming. It lacked the historical context I've come to expect and was filled with too many references.

#TheHodderBibleCommentaryProverbs #NetGalley.

**5-Star Review of *The Hodder Bible Commentary: Proverbs***

Kirsten Birkett’s *Proverbs* is a superbly written and deeply insightful volume in the Hodder Bible Commentary series—an accessible and theologically grounded exploration of one of the Bible’s most practical and profound books.

With clarity and pastoral care, Birkett shows how the ancient wisdom of Proverbs speaks powerfully into modern life. She doesn’t reduce the text to moral platitudes or life hacks—instead, she invites readers to engage with the deep spiritual truths at the heart of Proverbs: that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, and that true understanding flows from a reverent relationship with God.

Birkett skillfully guides readers through the book’s themes—discernment, integrity, humility, speech, relationships, work, and more—showing how each one contributes to a life marked by godliness and flourishing. Her commentary is especially strong in drawing out how Proverbs forms character and cultivates moral clarity in a world filled with competing voices and shallow advice.

Ideal for pastors, small group leaders, or any reader seeking a reliable and readable companion to the text, this commentary makes excellent use of the Hodder series format. The inclusion of the full Anglicised NIV text alongside the commentary allows readers to reflect on Scripture while engaging with Birkett’s thoughtful exposition. The structure—divided into manageable units—lends itself perfectly to sermon prep or devotional study.

Birkett’s voice is wise, warm, and quietly challenging. This is a commentary that not only informs but also forms the reader—inviting us not just to understand wisdom, but to live it. A must-have resource for anyone longing to grow in discernment and godly living.

I wasn't quite as taken with this commentary as some of the other Hodder commentaries I have read in the last year or two. I felt the introductory section was more the author's opinion and not so much the facts about the history, the authors of the proverbs and the culture of the times that I have come to expect from these Hodder commentaries. It also felt a bit more academic theologian style than the others I had read and had a proliferation of references which I found overwhelming.

Proverbs is a difficult book to get your head around, but when you do, it is worth the effort. This commentary is a must addition to help study the book. The commentary is easy to access, and to understand. It is coherent and easy to read.
And if you are preparing a bible study or sermon, then this is a good starting point. In fact it gives a good amount of information along with things to think through.
Thank you Kirsten for writing this book - I have enjoyed reading it.

This was a very good book. It was well-written. I would highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

Admittedly I have not completed this book. It is not one that you can read in a day or two. It requires thought and time to understand how Proverbs was written and the meanings as related to the Eastern world, and how we in the Western world have interpreted. I had no idea there were several authors of these verses or that it can be divided into sections of life lessons. I will continue to read the book in sections along with my KJ Bible and 'Bible Recap'. I was provided an advanced reader copy at my request by was under not obligation provide a reciew. The opinions expressed are my own. Many Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and study this book. There are excellent references and explanations throughout the book to aid in understanding Proverbs.

This series is such a gift. It works on lots of levels from those interested in dipping into Proverbs and getting a bit more on a few verses or a scholar who wants to depend their knowledge or perhaps write a sermon. This books goes deep into the Wisdom literature. As per usual there is a well laid out and told background to what was happening in the environment that it is though the book was written as well as the relationship with God and his people. The book is impeccably referenced both from within Scripture but also wider supporting texts, many of which I would have though to get info from which was helpful. Each section of the Word is looked at in detail, concentrating not just of the text but the context and then purpose and theme. This books goes deep into the whys and crucially the importance of not lifting snippets of this book and using hem out of context. Several myths are busted in this explanation of what is one of the best known Bible books for people knowing snippets! Another useful book for the collection.