
Doug Hibbard
- I have the hardcopy, since it's obviously still on pre-buy here. So, I'll give you the rundown on the content. I will assume that the print version is enhanced by the linking and auto-references that are inherent to Logos, which always helps a reference book, and that it's got the downside of having to be read on a glowing screen. First, God's Wisdom in Proverbs (GWiP) examines the text of Proverbs as if the book were meant to be read as a whole, rather than a collection of chariot bumper-stickers and outer-robe slogans. This is a benefit, because it is far too easy to fall into reading Proverbs as hundreds of sayings rather than one book. Second, GWiP recognizes the idea of Divine Inspiration in the text. Rather than merely accepting Proverbs as a wise man's collection of wise ideas, Phillips sees Proverbs as he sees all 65 other Biblical books: presented perfectly by the Spirit of God. If you accept the Bible as inspired, this is a helpful look. Third, GWiP builds on the Hebrew language rather than just working from a translation. Putting this alongside the language tools of Logos will help those of us with a weaker Hebrew list. This helps counter what is the weakness in the print edition--having to wrestle with the author's paraphrase of Hebrew and wondering who was right: Phillips or King James? Now you can reference your other Hebrew resources more readily to check on both of them. Fourth, GWiP builds a Christ-centered view of Proverbs without making Allegorical Jesus out of every good thing mentioned in the text. In all, I've pre-ordered the Logos version of a hardcover that's on my shelf. I think it's worth the having in both formats.