The Ways of the Simple (Prov. Part 10)

The word, “simple” is found 21 time in the Bible. The first three instances, it is used as a synonym to easy. Everything thereafter is referring to a person who is called “simple”. After looking up every verse using this word, I have concluded that calling someone simple, using the meaning of the majority use in scripture, is NOT a complement.

I will list the verses in Proverbs (where most of these verses are found) with a bit of context, and let you draw your own conclusions. It is far better to look these up with your Bible open.

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Proverbs 1:1-6 NIV Proverbs 1:1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; 3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-- 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-- 6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.

Proverbs 1:22 22 "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?

Proverbs 1:32-33 32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."

Proverbs 7:7 7 I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment.

Proverbs 8:4-6 4 "To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. 5 You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. 6 Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.

Proverbs 9:4-6 4 "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment. 5 "Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.

Proverbs 9:16 16 "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment.

Proverbs 14:15 15 A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

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

Proverbs 21:11 11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.

Proverbs 19:25 25 Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke a discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

Proverbs 22:3 3 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

Proverbs 27:12 12 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.