THE SIMPLE

Descriptive of true believers:

Ps 19:7
The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.

The Holy Scripture is of much greater benefit to us than day or night, than the air we breathe, or the light of the sun. To recover man out of his fallen state, there is need of the word of God. The word translated law, may be rendered doctrine, and be understood as meaning all that teaches us true religion. The whole is perfect; its tendency is to convert or turn the soul from sin and the world, to God and holiness. It shows our sinfulness and misery in departing from God, and the necessity of our return to him. This testimony is sure, to be fully depended on: the ignorant and unlearned believing what God saith, become wise unto salvation. It is a sure direction in the way of duty. It is a sure fountain of living comforts, and a sure foundation of lasting hopes.

Ps 116:6
The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

He grants that no pleasure is so great as to feel God's help in our need, neither that anything more stirs up our love toward Him.

Prov 1:4
To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

The lessons here given are plain, and likely to benefit those who feel their own ignorance, and their need to be taught. If young people take heed to their ways, according to Solomon's Proverbs, they will gain knowledge and discretion. Solomon speaks of the most important points of truth, and a greater than Solomon is here. Christ speaks by His word and by His Spirit. Christ is the Word and the Wisdom of God, and He is made to us wisdom.

Prov 19:25
Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, [and] he will understand knowledge.

A gentle rebuke goes farthest with a man of understanding. That is, the simple and ignorant men learn when they see the wicked punished.
Scorner - An obstinate and impudent transgressor. Simple - Who sin thro' ignorance, being possibly drawn to it by the scorner's evil counsel or example. Reprove - A verbal reproof will be more effectual for his reformation, than the severest punishments will be to a scorner.

Mat 11:25
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Christ addresses God as his Father, not as His Lord. The obedience He yields is that of a Son, not of a subject. Four more times, in deep emotion, Christ thus addresses the Father (Joh 11:41 12:28 17:01 Lu 23:34).

From the worldly wise Pharisees and Jews. God had hid these things from this latter class through the natural operation of their own corrupted hearts and perverted minds.

Babes. The simple and believing. It is used also of those who are weak in Christian faith and knowledge (1 Corinthians 3:1; Hebrews 5:13; 1 Peter 2:2).

It becomes children to be grateful. When we come to God as a Father, we must remember that He is Lord of heaven and earth, which obliges us to come to Him with reverence as to the sovereign Lord of all; yet with confidence, as one able to defend us from evil, and to supply us with all good.

Rom 16:18
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

The word which he uses signifies a promising which accomplishes nothing, and if you hear any such, you may assure yourself that he who promises to you is more concerned about receiving from you than he is concerned about giving to you.

These men, like many other false teachers, were more devoted to their own appetites than to Christ.

The simple. Innocent in the Revised Version. The unsuspecting.

Many call Christ, Master and Lord, who are far from serving Him. But they serve their carnal, sensual, worldly interests. They corrupt the head by deceiving the heart; perverting the judgments by winding themselves into the affections. We have great need to keep our hearts with all diligence. It has been the common policy of seducers to set upon those who are softened by convictions. A pliable temper is good when under good guidance, otherwise it may be easily led astray. Be so wise as not to be deceived, yet so simple as not to be deceivers.

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

SOURCE: King James Bible, Easton's Bible Dictionary