Proverbs and the formation of character / Dave Bland ; foreword by William P. Brown.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 175-187).

The journey of character formation -- The process of character formation -- The content of character formation -- The proverb in character formation -- Character formation through human dialogue (Proverbs 27:14-19) -- Language and character formation (Proverbs 25:11-15; 26:1-9) -- Wealth and character formation (Proverbs 15:13-17 and select Proverb pairs) -- Yahweh and character formation (Proverbs 15:33-16:9) -- Community and character formation (Proverbs 22:6; 31:10-31).

"This book seeks to press the wisdom of Proverbs into active duty in the trenches of everyday life and put the principles of character formation in working clothes. The wisdom Proverbs describes is not designed to master life's challenges but to learn to manage them and adapt. In learning to adapt, individuals grow and mature spiritually. Relying on solid biblical scholarship, this book brings to the fore the neglected sentence literature in Proverbs 10-29 and the vital resources they contribute to the process of character formation. Contrary to popular opinion, the book of Proverbs, even though addressed to youth, is not a book solely for the young, but for those of all ages who desire to continue to grow personally and in their relationship with others and God. The wise in the book of Proverbs employ a plethora of resources to help train up young and old alike to grow into the character of God. Among others, these resources include the value of interacting with others, a healthy understanding of conflict, an appropriate perspective on wealth, a new appreciation for and reliance on the role of the neglected proverb in the education process, and the vital role of family and the faith community. Ultimately the whole process of character formation is founded upon one's relationship with God and the fear of the Lord." --