How to Preach Proverbs - (Preaching Biblical Literature) by Jared E Alcántara (Paperback)

About the Book

A guide defining seven features of biblical proverbs and providing concrete strategies for creating genre-conscious sermons from Proverbs.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"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. . . . Not only is How to Preach Proverbs a substantive, exegetically profound work, it is also highly practical for homiletical use. . . . 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

"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. . . . 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