Rated: C+
Nice little thought provoking book of short essays on what's truly important in life. Also, a not so subtle advertisement for DeMoss's firm and services. ( )

Mark DeMoss, president of the DeMoss Group, a public relations firm he founded in 1991 specifically to serve Christian organizations and causes, gathered his insights for living wisely from history, Scripture, and a lifetime of listening. DeMoss reads every single day a chapter of Proverbs, but knows his other consultants, writers and providers of one-liners as well. In his revised 2011 edition of the 2007 original DeMoss serves short chapters on a variety of topics. In Part One your professional life is enriched with guidance on getting out of your comfort zone, taking time to be alone and think, less is more and implementing a winning corporate culture.
The Little Red Book of Wisdom offers principles for personal application as well. God owns it all, there’s no degree in integrity, first things first (celebrate Sunday, celebrate morning devotionals and tithing), listening instead of speaking, seeking wisdom of aged people. Avoid regrettable moments, make wise choices on drinking and being alone with a woman that’s not your wife.
DeMoss draws from his Christian background and urges his reader to become a fellow believer as well, to read from the Bible every day to grow in your new relationship. Get a translation of the Bible you can easily understand, and consider beginning with the New Testament book of John for a clear account of the life of Jesus and His message. God speaks to us through the Bible; and we can speak to Him in prayer every day, anytime, wherever we are. That may be outside your comfort zone, but the wisest choice you can make in your life. ( )

When I received this book as a gift, it came highly recommended by one of my favorite Bible teachers, and I figured it would be a quick read, so I moved it to the top of my pile. I was right – I got through it in just a few days reading a little bit each night.

There were a few things I really enjoyed about this book: the short chapters make it a good gift book for all sorts of occasions – Father’s Day, graduations, first job, even weddings. Even people who don’t like to read could get through this book – lots of built-in stopping places for those who can’t or won’t read for a long period of time. Also, the chapters are very practical, with lessons you can begin to put into practice right away. The book is written from the perspective of a Biblical worldview, too, so believers can be satisfied that nothing here will conflict with the Word of God.

But there were three major glaring problems for me. First, though it’s written from a Biblical worldview, and though Scripture is quoted, the author never cited exact references. Even if the book is supposed to appeal to a wider audience, what is wrong with citing an exact place to find the Scriptures he quotes?

Second, while the book is indeed full of wisdom, I was so distracted by the name-dropping that I don’t remember most of what was said. The author has been blessed with many opportunities to know some great people first-hand. But is it really necessary EVERY time he points to someone as an example to point out how they are great friends of his, or how much personal contact he’s had with the person? Perhaps he thought to make the lesson stronger by explaining that he wasn’t just making it up. But it smacked of pride to me, and instead of being helpful, that habit only distracted.

Third, wisdom is from the Lord. And I guess it’s clear that Mr. DeMoss really believes that. But he spends so much time talking about himself, things he’s done well, that once again, the good lesson was completely overshadowed by the “goodness” of the author.

Now, I’m not an author. I don’t know how difficult it would be to write a book on wisdom. I don’t know exactly what I would have done differently, and I certainly don’t believe that everyone will respond to it the way I have. I’ll keep it in our library, but I probably won’t refer to it very often, and I doubt I’ll buy it for anyone else.

See my full review and others at http://www.vangorden-vm.blogspot.com ( )