PROVERBS : The proverbs offer advice on every imaginable area of life . The style of wise living described here leads to a fulfilled life .
ECCLESIASTES : This book reminds us that a life without God leads to meaninglessness and despair .
SONG OF SONGS : This beautiful poem celebrates romantic and physical love .
ISAIAH : The most eloquent of the prophets , Isaiah looked at the failures of all the nations around him and pointed to a future Messiah who would bring peace .
JEREMIAH : Jeremiah told the people they had to return to God . He spoke to Judah in the last decades before Babylon destroyed the nation .
LAMENTATIONS : All Jeremiah ’ s warnings about Jerusalem came true , and Lamentations records five poems of sorrow for the fallen city .
EZEKIEL : Ezekiel spoke to the Jews who were captives in Babylon . He often used dramatic stories and acted out illustrations to make his point .
DANIEL : Although he was a captive in Babylon , Daniel rose to the office of prime minister . Daniel lived a life of obedience even when he faced pressure from others .
HOSEA : By marrying a woman who was unfaithful to him , Hosea lived out his message : Israel had committed spiritual adultery against God .
JOEL : Beginning with a recent catastrophe in Judah ( a locust plague ), Joel foretold God ’ s judgment on Judah .
AMOS : A country boy , Amos preached to Israel at the height of its prosperity . He told the people that God would judge them for not helping the poor .
OBADIAH : Obadiah preached a warning to Edom , a nation bordering Judah .
JONAH : Jonah reluctantly went to Nineveh and found Israel ’ s enemies responsive to God ’ s message .
MICAH : Micah exposed corruption in every level of society . But he ended his book with a promise of forgiveness and restoration .
NAHUM : Long after Jonah had preached in Nineveh , Nahum foretold the mighty city ’ s total destruction .
HABAKKUK : Habakkuk addressed his book to God , not people . In a frank dialogue with God , he discussed problems of suffering and justice .
ZEPHANIAH : Zephaniah focused on the coming day of the Lord , which would destroy Judah . But God would restore Jerusalem and bring hope to his people .
HAGGAI : After returning from the Babylonian captivity , the Jews began rebuilding the temple of God . But they set aside that task to work on their own homes . Haggai reminded them to put God first .
ZECHARIAH : Writing around the same time as Haggai , Zechariah also urged the Jews to work on the temple . He described how the temple would point to the coming Messiah .
MALACHI : The last Old Testament prophet , Malachi faced a nation that had grown indifferent to God . He tried to turn them back to God .
New Testament
MATTHEW : Written to a Jewish audience , this Gospel links the Old and New Testaments . It presents Jesus as the Messiah and King promised in the Old Testament . Matthew emphasizes Jesus ’ authority and power .
MARK : Mark ’ s Gospel stresses action and gives a straightforward , detailed account of Jesus ’ work on earth .
LUKE : A doctor , Luke was also a fine writer . His Gospel provides many details of human interest , especially in Jesus ’ treatment of the poor and needy . A joyful tone characterizes Luke ’ s book .
JOHN : John has a more reflective style than the other Gospels . Its author selected seven signs that pointed to Jesus as the Son of God and wove together everything else to underscore that point .
ACTS : Acts tells what happened to Jesus ’ followers after he left them . Peter and