“How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? And the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?” (Prov. 1:22).
The phrase “simple ones” (Prov. 1:22) appears in several passages in the books of Psalms and Proverbs. It denotes those who are inexperienced and thus without wisdom or void of understanding. Interestingly, the term literally means “simple, as open-minded; . . . open to the instruction of wisdom or folly” (Brown, Driver, Briggs: Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, p. 834). Ponder three points about “simple ones.”
- Greatly Needing Instruction. Solomon wrote concerning wisdom’s appeal, “O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart” (Prov. 8:5). Again, “Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding” (Prov. 9:4-6). It is the word of God that provides what is needed to the simple. It is written in the Psalms, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Ps. 19:7). Again, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Ps. 119:130).
- Give Attention to Punishment of Others When Observant. Solomon wrote, “Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge” (Prov. 19:25). Again, “When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge (Prov. 21:11). Discipline gets the attention of the simple. As to whether he will set his heart to do the will of God depends upon his desire and direction as seen in the next and final point below.
- Gullible and Easily Enticed If Refuses Instruction. This quality of “simple ones” is the difference between being simple who will become wise or one who is simple and will “love simplicity” (Prov. 1:22). One who is a fool and simple is characterized by a host of negatives. Solomon wrote, “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going” (Prov. 14:15). The consequence of such is seen in the words “The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge (Prov. 14:18). Notice the following about the simple who are foolish: “For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them” (Prov. 1:29-32). It is the simple one who loves folly that turns unto the woman who would entice him toward sin (cf. Prov. 7:7-23). It is the simple one who will heed such, for “A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways: Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him” (Prov. 9:13-16). “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished” (Prov. 22:3; 27:12).
Jimmy Clark