Dear Hannah,

Proverbs is a Bible book full of concrete, simple, indisputable wisdom.

The wisdom is offered in small, "bite-size" verses.

This makes it a good book to study with a mixed group of older and younger folks.

Studying Proverbs can lull you to sleep, though - please let me explain.

It is easy to interpret most proverbs as describing what a good person does vs. what a bad person does ... as if we are always comparing two different people.

Most proverbs, though, describe two distinct pathways that individuals have the opportunity to choose - and bear the fruit, the consequences, or some of both.

These are the proverbs that make me pause, consider, and wrestle - to unpack additional layers of wisdom and insight that challenge my growth.

These are the ones that make you say "uhhh ... mmmmm ...".

They make you quiet - but in a good way ...