The Moral Vision of Proverbs

"Essential for serious students of biblical wisdom traditions"This major statement on Proverbs by a Christian scholar provides a critical, virtue ethics approach to a text laden with interpretive challenges for modern readers."Sandoval presents Proverbs as a profoundly theological statement about the cultivation of moral character through the practice of the complex moral and intellectual activity that the sages call 'wisdom.' This study will be essential for serious students of biblical wisdom traditions, in the academy and also in the church."--Ellen F. Davis, Duke Divinity School"The book of Proverbs finally receives its full ethical due from the able hands of Sandoval, who offers the most robust and nuanced moral treatment to date of this often-overlooked book. Sandoval's study is both sophisticated and engaging, philosophical and dialogical, offering its share of exegetical surprises."--William P. Brown, Columbia Theological Seminary"In a rich and incisive contribution to a burgeoning debate on Proverbs as a book of virtue ethics, Sandoval claims that it is indeed an ancient, virtue-oriented moral discourse. Picking up on Proverbs' concern with character ethics, Sandoval discovers more profound aspects of its moral rhetoric and wider moral vision, including natural law, social virtues, and practical wisdom that together embody a coherent model for promoting human flourishing."--Katharine J. Dell, University of Cambridge"In this substantial and engaging study, Sandoval sheds light on why biblical scholarship has largely relegated Proverbs to second-tier status as a source of theological and ethical insight. Delivering his scholarly erudition in clear prose, Sandoval redresses this balance and reveals Proverbs' merits as such an intellectual resource by examining its moral perspective in light of ancient virtue ethics."--Gilberto A. Ruiz, Saint Anselm College"With precision, care, and wisdom, Sandoval demonstrates how Proverbs' engagement with premodern, virtue-oriented moral discourse yields instruction that is ethically and theologically relevant for the contemporary world. A must-have for any serious reader of Proverbs."--Patricia Vesely, Memphis Theological Seminary