Description
Many preachers struggle to preach from Proverbs, not knowing where to start, what to do, and how to do it. This anthology of 915 verses contains powerful truths communicated in memorable ways, often in eight words or less, which creates a challenge for converting them into engaging homiletical form. How to Preach Proverbs addresses this challenge, giving preachers practical, genre-conscious strategies for preaching from Proverbs. Alcántara identifies seven features—genre, image, characters, themes, timing, integrity, and justice—and proposes concrete strategies for employing them in sermons. Appendices include an article exploring the identity of the woman in Proverbs 31:10–31, as well as three sample sermons that exemplify genre-conscious preaching and give readers practical ideas for solving problems in sermon planning.
Endorsements
“The purpose of Proverbs is to make a person wise, able to navigate life well, be good, and fear the Lord. Preaching on the book of Proverbs is essential to the development of spiritually mature Christians. Jared Alcántara is an excellent guide to the book and to its exposition and proclamation. I am very happy to enthusiastically recommend this book to everyone, but especially to those who preach.”
Tremper Longman III, Distinguished Scholar and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies, Westmont College
“For many preachers, the scriptural nuggets called proverbs seem too small to generate full sermons. Not for Jared Alcántara who, skillfully using the razor-sharp tools of exegesis, reaches again and again into the depths of biblical proverbs to find provocative images, fascinating characters, profound theological themes, and more. Preachers who read this stimulating, engagingly written book will be transformed from a reluctance to preach on proverbs to enthusiasm.”
Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor Emeritus of Preaching, Candler School of Theology
“How to Preach Proverbs by Jared Alcántara is an exegetically profound, homiletically practical look at a neglected portion of Scripture. Focusing primarily on proverbs from the Old Testament, Alcántara counters the common preacherly misconception that proverbs are harmless sound bites to embroider on pillows. On the contrary, he convincingly argues, they have prophetic bite. He connects the literary features of proverbs to ethical goals and theological affirmations related to justice and integrity, showing how we can convey a prophetic message through the ethical and theological emphases of Proverbs. Not only is How to Preach Proverbs a substantive, exegetically profound work, it is also highly practical for homiletical use. Each chapter ends with a “conclusion,” “for further study,” “talk about it,” “dig deeper” and “practice.” I highly recommend this practical, profound contribution to the preaching of proverbs.”
Alyce M. McKenzie, Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship, Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor, Perkins School of Theology
“Preaching Proverbs is notoriously difficult and tends to be avoided, even in the most distinguished pulpits. Yet, the modern church needs contextualized wisdom from Proverbs more than ever! Jared Alcántara provides an accessible resource that is sure to be an asset to contemporary preachers for generations to come. Alcántara’s helpful book supplies the tools to facilitate faithful, non-moralistic preaching of the proverbs, along with constructive advice that can immediately be put into practice. Readers will lay aside their misconceptions about preaching Proverbs when they pick up Alcántara’s outstanding resource. This book is a must-read for those who desire to have a God-centered approach to preaching the book of Proverbs!”
Dominick S. Hernández, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitics, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
“Jared Alcántara digs deep into the book of Proverbs to explore its rich resources of wisdom to assist preachers in preparing and presenting fresh perspectives on a book long overlooked in the pulpit. Alcántara offers strategies and concrete examples for preaching the major themes, images, and characters found throughout the book. Preachers will discover a treasure trove of fresh insights and creative ideas for developing challenging sermons. Alcántara’s work couldn’t be timelier and more practical for preachers.”
Dave Bland, Professor Emeritus, Harding School of Theology, Memphis, TN
“Jared Alcántara’s How to Preach Proverbs fills a gap in the field of homiletics as well as hermeneutics. This well-written handbook provides the preacher with the information and tools needed to approach a sometimes daunting biblical book. In each chapter, Alcántara offers thoughtful strategies—genre, imagery, characters, themes, timing, integrity, and justice—that serve as keys to interpreting and preaching this biblical book. Alcántara is to be commended for writing a rich, clear, and accessible source for preaching Proverbs that every pastor will want to use.”
Scott M. Gibson, David E. Garland Chair of Preaching, Truett Seminary
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
1. Genre
Strategy 1: Do What the Genre Does
Use Genre-Specific Tools: Know What a Proverb Is
Do in Your Context What (You Believe) It Did in Its Context
Remember the Point
Conclusion
For Further Study
2. Imagery
Strategy 2: Bring Images to the Center
Identifying Imagery in the Book of Proverbs
Bringing Images to the Center of a Sermon on Proverbs
Conclusion
For Further Study
3. Characters
Strategy 3: Use Characterization
Animals
Woman Wisdom Versus Woman Folly
The Sluggard
The Wife of Noble Character
Conclusion
For Further Study
4. Themes
Strategy 4: Use a Thematic Approach
Preaching a Thematic Sermon or a Thematic Series
Conclusion
For Further Study
5. Timing
Strategy 5: Associate Timing with Wisdom
Knowing Roads and Seeing Signs
Connect the Appearance of Contradictions with the Importance of Timing
Help People Make Well-Timed Choices in Context-Specific Situations
Translate Timing’s Importance for Modern Listeners
Conclusion
For Further Study
6. Integrity
Strategy 6: Tie Wisdom to Integrity
The Purpose of Proverbs
Protecting the Inner Life that Others Do Not See
Pursuing Uprightness Before Others
Living with “the Dash” in Mind
Conclusion
For Further Study
7. Justice
Strategy 7: Adopt a Prophetic Tone
Why (Some) Preachers Avoid Preaching about Justice from the Book of Proverbs
Proverbs in Three Dimensions
A Closer Reading of Proverbs’ Purpose Statement
Preach the Purpose Statement
God Makes Promises to Those Who Reach Out
Conclusion
For Further Study
8. Conclusion
Appendix 1: Understanding and Preaching Proverbs 31:10–31
—Rebecca W. Poe Hays
The Hebrew Text of Proverbs 31:10–31
Personification in the Ancient Near East
The Organizing Structure of Proverbs
So How Should We Preach it?
Appendix 2: Sermons
“Street Smarts” – Proverbs 3:21–35
—Jared E. Alcántara
“Wisdom for Times of Uncertainty” – Proverbs 30:24–28
—Ralph Douglas West
“Proverbs 31” – Proverbs 31:1–31
—Ingrid Faro
Bibliography
About the Author
Jared E. Alcántara (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is professor of preaching and occupies the Paul W. Powell Endowed Chair in Preaching at Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University, in Waco, Texas. His recent publications include Let the Legends Preach (2021) and The Practices of Christian Preaching (Spanish: 2020; English 2019). Alcántara is a member of the Academy of Homiletics, the Evangelical Homiletics Society, and the Hispanic Theological Initiative. An ordained Baptist minister, he has also served as a youth pastor, associate pastor, and teaching pastor in Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, and New Jersey.
