THE SIMPLE PART B

Descriptive of fools

Prov 7:7
And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,

Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just seen another fall headlong from the same place. The misery of self-ruined sinners began in disregard to God's blessed commands. We ought daily to pray that we may be kept from running into temptation, else we invite the enemies of our souls to spread snares for us. Ever avoid the neighbourhood of vice. Beware of sins which are said to be pleasant sins. They are the more dangerous, because they most easily gain the heart, and close it against repentance. Do nothing till thou hast well considered the end of it. Were a man to live as long as Methuselah, and to spend all his days in the highest delights sin can offer, one hour of the anguish and tribulation that must follow, would far outweigh them.

Prov 9:4,
Whoso [is] simple (He who knows his own ignorance, and is void of malice), let him turn in hither: [as for] him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

Our Saviour came, not to call the righteous, but sinners; not the wise in their own eyes, who say they see. We must keep from the company and foolish pleasures of the ungodly, or we never can enjoy the pleasures of a holy life. It is vain to seek the company of wicked men in the hope of doing them good; we are far more likely to be corrupted by them. It is not enough to forsake the foolish, we must join those that walk in wisdom.

Prov 14:15
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent [man] looketh well to his going.

Eager readiness to believe what others say, has ever proved mischievous. The whole world was thus ruined at first. The man who is spiritually wise, depends on the Saviour alone for acceptance. He is watchful against the enemies of his salvation, by taking heed to God's word.

The simple - A foolish man. Looketh - He orders his dealings in the world with due circumspection, not considering so much what other men say as what he ought to do.

Prov 14:18
The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Inherit - They possess it as their inheritance, holding it fast, and glorying in it. Knowledge - The saving knowledge of God and of their own duty.

Sin is the shame of sinners; but wisdom is the honour of the wise.

Prov 22:3
A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

The evil - The judgment of God threatened, and approaching. Hideth - Retires to his strong tower, by prayer and repentance, puts himself under the protection of the almighty. Pass on - Carefully and securely.

That is, the punishment, which is prepared for the wicked and flees to God for help.

Faith foresees the evil coming upon sinners, and looks to Jesus Christ as the sure refuge from the storm.

Prov 9:6
Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

Christ has prepared ordinances to which his people are admitted, and by which nourishment is given here to those that believe in him, as well as mansions in heaven hereafter. The ministers of the gospel go forth to invite the guests. The call is general, and shuts out none that do not shut out themselves. Our Saviour came, not to call the righteous, but sinners; not the wise in their own eyes, who say they see. We must keep from the company and foolish pleasures of the ungodly, or we never can enjoy the pleasures of a holy life. It is vain to seek the company of wicked men in the hope of doing them good; we are far more likely to be corrupted by them. It is not enough to forsake the foolish, we must join those that walk in wisdom. There is no true wisdom but in the way of God, no true life but in the end of that way. Here is the happiness of those that embrace it. A man cannot be profitable to God; it is for our own good. Observe the shame and ruin of those who slight it. God is not the Author of sin: and Satan can only tempt, he cannot force. Thou shalt bear the loss of that which thou scornest: it will add to thy condemnation.

So as we can see the simple who do not come to Christ will never make it into Heaven. We are to be ever watchful of our thoughts, our friends the paths we walk and yes even the words we talk.

Make no mistake...GOD IS NOT MOCKED (Gal 6:7).

Now the question we must all ask ourselves...are we the simple in part A, Heaven bound...or are we the simple in part B, headed for satan's lake?

God's Blessings to each of you,
rECj/LJG

SOURCE: King James Bible, Easton's Bible Dictionary