Today, in our trek through the pages of Scripture, we come to the unique book of Proverbs, a text that calls for the pursuit of and describes the benefits of true wisdom. As one author describes it: "The Book of Proverbs is a book of moral and ethical instructions, dealing with many aspects of life. The teachings in this book guide its readers in how to lead wise, godly lives and how to avoid the pitfalls of unwise, ungodly conduct. It has a broad, timeless appeal because of its great variety of subjects and their relevance to everyday life. Proper and improper attitudes, conduct, and characteristics are referred to repeatedly and in succinct, penetrating ways. Proverbs is God’s book on 'how to wise up and live.' It is His treasure book of wisdom" (S. Buzzell, "Proverbs," BKC, 900–901).

To help us grapple with this Old Testament book we welcome to the podcast Dr. David Merkh. David and his wife, Carol Sue, have served the Lord as missionaries since 1985 and have been stationed in Brazil since 1987. There, Dr. Merkh is a professor at the Word of Life seminary and pastor of Bible Exposition at his local church. He speaks frequently at family conferences and leadership training seminars throughout Brazil and around the world and has a Portuguese radio program called (in English) Word and Family. Dr. Merkh and his wife have also authored sixteen books and counting.