A Woman's Wisdom: How the Book of Proverbs Speaks to Everything.  With a title like that, Lydia Brownback set high expectations, but she does meet them!  I had previously read incredible things about this book, and knew I wanted to read it.  (I would suggest you read it, too, for an in-depth look at this book.)  I spent a good deal of time reading Proverbs last year, and this was a perfect compliment to my reading.

Be sure to read to the end of the post to learn about the GIVEAWAY.

In the context of A Woman's Wisdom, I needed Lydia Brownback's straightforward style.  Really, the book of Proverbs is for men and women.  This book could be, too, but I do like how Brownback personalizes it for women.  (And many men do not receive teaching well from women...)

She begins the book discussing what wisdom is within our lives...and in chapter 2, "Why Folly Is Really Bad."  When we are making foolish choices (sin!), the wisdom found within God's Word is unpleasant.  It may be hard to hear and read or hear God's Word because it is convicting.   Brownback tells the reader that the God's ways are unpleasant when we are self-centered instead of God-centered, self-seeking rather than Christ-seeking, and self-exalting rather than Christ-exalting.  It was with that in mind that I continued to read this book that discusses the wisdom (not promises) found in Proverbs.

I tend to have emotional ups and downs which is why I appreciated the conviction brought by the discussion about our sins that we may blame upon emotion.  Though I may not spend like crazy or go on vacation to elevate the mood, I still do not allow wisdom to be primary in my life's pursuits.  (Later in the book, she also points out that God never gives us a pass for our inappropriate behavior due to hormones and emotions.)

"Wise women are governed by the principles of God's Word, not by their feelings, hormones, or enjoyments." -p. 28

 The chapter discussing the power of words was rather enlightening to me.  When talking to friends and neighbors, I am aware of what I say about others most of the time.  Though cautious not to speak negatively about others, at times it seems that it cannot be helped.  Brownback explained that though what we say might be factual, if it can damage another's reputation it is slander and should be avoided.  (Proverbs 10:18)

Something to ponder...

"Women of wise words are those whose hearts are being transformed by Christ while recognizing that real and lasting change comes only as they ponder all his words." -p. 72

The final chapter focuses upon Proverbs 31.  I've read a lot about the "Proverbs 31 Woman" over the past few years.  Yet, this single chapter still proved to provide many reminders and new-to-me wisdom.  Though I am married, I especially appreciated how she approached the subject of single women and how this chapter is for every woman, not just married women.

Lydia Brownback provides much to consider in this little gem of a book.  She focuses on the wisdom of Proverbs while using the whole counsel of the Bible.  This will be one of my favorite books of this year, and one I intend to return to again in the future.

I thank Crossway for sending me A Woman's Wisdom for review purposes.  Very exciting for you, too... TWO readers will also win this book.  (And if you don't win it, I hope you will buy or borrow your own copy!)

GIVEAWAY  Giveaway is now closed.  Congratulations, Ticia!
Please leave a comment below if you are interested in reading A Woman's Wisdom.  Be sure to leave your email address (at least once) so I can contact you if you win.

Extra Entries - Leave a separate comment for each extra entry.
~ Follow through email, RSS feed, GFC, Facebook, or Twitter (see sidebar).  Leave a separate comment for each way you follow.  (Be sure to let me know if you follow under a different name.)
~ Share about this giveaway and leave a link in a comment.  (You can tag me with This Simple Home on FB and @thissimplehome on twitter...of course you could blog about it, too.)  Thanks for spreading the word!

Giveaway will run through Wednesday, January 23rd.  The winners will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond.  Random.org will help to choose the winners.  Winners will be announced on Facebook and on this post.  This giveaway is limited to the US and Canada.  Thanks for entering!

~ Annette {This Simple Mom}