The Moral Vision of Proverbs

“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.’ Eschewing conventional moralistic and utilitarian treatments, he brings to his reading a philosophical, cultural, and literary sophistication that encourages critical and self-critical engagement. This study will be essential for serious students of biblical wisdom traditions, in the academy and also in the church.”—Ellen F. Davis, professor of Bible and practical theology, Duke Divinity School

“The book of Proverbs finally receives its full ethical due from the able hands of Timothy 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, all to highlight Proverbs’ overarching goal to impart the ‘craft of living well.’”—William P. Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary

“In a rich and incisive contribution to a burgeoning debate on Proverbs as a book of virtue ethics, Sandoval claims, by engaging with Aristotle and other classical writers on virtue ethics, 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, professor of Old Testament literature and theology, 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. As I have with Sandoval’s other books on Proverbs, I have learned much from this book and recommend it to others.”—Gilberto A. Ruiz, associate professor of New Testament, Saint Anselm College

“In The Moral Vision of Proverbs, Sandoval helps dispel the all-too-common biases that Proverbs lacks moral complexity, displays simplistic act-consequence behavioral schemas, and promotes restrictive natural theologies. 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. This is a must-have for any serious reader of Proverbs.”—Patricia Vesely, associate professor of Hebrew Bible and Christian ethics, Memphis Theological Seminary