Book Review: Ten Words to Live By (Jen Wilkin)

The subtitle of this book perfectly encapsulates what you’ll explore when you pick up Ten Words to Live By by Jen Wilkin—a study of the Ten Commandments. You will learn not only what God commands, but how to delight in those commands. Each chapter unpacks one of the Ten Commandments, explaining its meaning and how it should be applied.

I especially love the way Jen Wilkin titles each commandment. Even from the chapter headings, you can see how she aims to shift perspective on what might seem like a mere list of rules:

● Undivided Allegiance

● Undiminished Worship

● Untarnished Name

● Unhindered Rest

● Honor Elders

● Honor Life

● Honor Marriage

● Honor Property

● Honor Reputation

● Honor in the Heart

This book is both challenging and informative. Wilkin does a great job making complex ideas accessible, no matter how familiar you are with topics like Old Testament law. With reflection questions at the end of each chapter, it’s designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of each commandment and consider how to follow not just its surface meaning, but the heart behind it.

I’ve always been more drawn to the New Testament because the Old Testament often felt bogged down by rules. This book helped change my perspective. It showed me how those laws, especially the Ten Commandments, reflect God’s goodness and holiness. I never thought I would describe God’s laws as beautiful, but now I do. As Wilkin writes in the introduction, “We should love the law because we love Jesus, and Jesus loved the law.”

Ten Words to Live By will teach you to see the law as a means of grace. If you’ve ever been curious about the Ten Commandments or wondered about the purpose of Old Testament law, this book is the perfect one to pick up. I wholeheartedly recommend it and believe it will change the way you view and appreciate the laws God gives His people.