The book of Proverbs has been described as “wisdom to live by”.  Of course in today’s society it is not the only ‘wisdom’ available to live by.  The list of gurus publishing yet another self-help book is very long, not to mention the endless variety of blogs posted on the internet each day.  There is something unique though, about the book of Proverbs.  It teaches us what true wisdom is, how to gain it and how to draw from the source of it.  It helps us to enrich our relationships with friends and family.  It challenges us in our folly, pride, envy & anger.  It shows us how to carry out our work honourably.  The responses to the content of this book can be praise, trust, and obedience.  Obedience is a response to God’s great grace in Jesus Christ through faith.  Our own willingness to listen isn’t only for our own sake, but primarily for God’s sake and His glory, and is an expression of our love.    The book of Proverbs invites us to live as a community of believers.  We must be careful not to apply what we read purely as individuals.  Proverbs intends to form character that leads to faithfulness, both to God and to one another.  Derek Kidner put it well when he described this book as “Godliness in working clothes”.  We come to faith through God’s grace.  From then on as a response to such love we choose to live for Jesus each day.  The book of Proverbs will greatly help us see our faith become everyday faith, faith that is seen!