Contradiction in the Book of Proverbs

Peter Hatton is a Minister in the UK Methodist Church.

’Reading this book has left me feeling somewhat chastened ... much can be gained from this fascinating, lucid and cleverly argued book without accepting every last conclusion. It is long past time that the 'assured results' of historical-critical interpretation of the Book of Proverbs were seriously reconsidered, and I hope that this book will mark the turning of the tide.’ New Blackfriars ’This is a lively contribution to the field of Proverbs research, which challenges various set assumptions that appear in Biblical scholarship.’ Journal for the Study of the Old Testament ’The book is clear and well written... Hatton makes his case effectively.’ Vetus Testamentum ’A delightful book.’ International Review of Biblical Studies ’Hatton can be congratulated for offering a valuable study that should be considered by all serious students of Proverbs.’ Biblical Interpretation ’Peter offers, at last, a fresh evaluation of Proverbs in its own right and in relationship to the other Wisdom literature and opens up some other fascinating lines of enquiry.’ Heythrop Journal

• Contents: Proverbs, an undervalued text; How Proverbs was marginalized; Unity and diversity in Proverbs; Provocative contradiction: the acts-consequence 'construct'; Provocative contradiction: the powerful in Qoholet and Proverbs; Provocative contradiction: gifts and bribes in Proverbs; The deep waters of counsel; Recent articles dealing with wisdom literature in JSOT, VT and ZAW; Bibliography. Index.