What is at the heart of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs? A desire for life lived fully and well: life lived wisely; life lived purposefully; life lived in loving, joyful partnership with God and others. At the centre of this abundant life must be God, for it is he that desires all good things for us, his shalom - harmony, wholeness, health and peace.The wise sayings of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, and the rich and sensual love poetry of the Song of Songs remind us what it is to conduct ourselves with wisdom, without folly and futility, in the knowledge that we are deeply loved.

Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.