Proverbs from the Poet Preacher

Just as the biblical book of Proverbs reveals the wisdom of an ancient king of Israel who dedicated himself to Jehovah in his youth, so too this book presents the wit and wisdom of a modern school teacher and church leader who committed himself to Christ at the age of seven. Compiled, arranged, and edited by Ralph Vile's eldest son, John, this book contains some 2,500 of Ralph's aphorisms from a fifty-year period, arranged under more than 200 topics covering the range of practical and spiritual living. A unique mix of universal truths and deeply held personal opinions from a man with a good sense of humor who loves both rhymes and paradoxical word plays, this book will amuse, challenge, and inspire general readers as it provides insights, illustrations, and reflections for pastors and speakers. RALPH VILE has spent most of his life in Luray, Virginia in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Born in Colonial Beach, Virginia and committing his life to God at the age of seven, Ralph served in the U.S. Navy and attended college where he met his wife Joanna. After brief service on the mission field in Costa Rica, the couple returned with their growing family to Virginia. There they began teaching in public schools as they raised five children and two grandchildren; furthered their educations; and served God through music, teaching, and in other leadership capacities at the Mt. Carmel Regular Baptist Church. Ralph has been writing poems, some of which have been collected in Xulon's We Are His Poets (the first volume of Valley Verses) and Let the Bells Ring Out on Christmas Morning, and proverbs for more than fifty years.