Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

The Hebrew word in question (anglicized as "pthiy") is used to indicate a person who is uninstructed or unlearned -- often in a negative sense, with the connotation of deliberate choice in that regard (as in "simple-minded"), as well as gullibility -- and particularly with respect to spiritual matters or truths (such as a lack of moral direction).

With the exception of one verse from the prophet Ezekiel, the word in question occurs exclusively either in Psalms or Proverbs. It is used, for example, to characterize those with whom the personification of Wisdom pleads in Proverbs 1:22, beseeching them to forsake their ways -- with those ways being variously characterized or translated (as indicated on the biblehub.com website) as "ignorance", "mockery", "hating knowledge", "scoffing", "foolishness", and "childishness".

December 30 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is meant by "the simple" in Proverbs 14:18?

In Proverbs 14:18, "the simple" (Hebrew pethiy) refers to people who are naive, gullible, or uninstructed, lacking moral direction and spiritual discernment. They are easily misled and "inherit folly" because they lack firm convictions, accepting everything they hear rather than exercising wisdom or testing truth.

In short, the simple are those who choose, or fail to reject, a naive, unguided life, resulting in foolish behaviour and consequences, which is directly contrasted with the careful, wise approach of the prudent.

Proverbs 14:18 ESV: "The simple inherit folly; But the prudent are crowned with knowledge."

Lacking discernment, the inexperienced ones choose what is foolish. This becomes their lot in life. On the other hand, knowledge adorns the shrewd just as a crown honours a king.

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone immature and easily misled (Proverbs 14:15: ESV: "The simple believeth every word; But the prudent man looketh well to his going."

If you rush into a decision, you may overlook important information. Take time to carefully consider your options.—1 Thessalonians 5:21 ESV: "21prove all things; hold fast that which is good."

The shrewd one is not gullible. Rather than believing everything he hears or letting others do his thinking for him, he considers his steps wisely. Gathering all available facts, he acts with knowledge.

English playwright William Shakespeare wrote: "Trust not to rotten planks." Anyone who thinks that the planks on a bridge over a deep drop may be rotten would be very foolish to step on them. 

The Bible encourages us to test out what people say rather than unquestioningly accept everything we hear. 

Think of food. Do we usually taste food before we swallow it? We should also test people's words and actions before we swallow them. No genuine person will take offence if we check their credentials. That we should check to see that something is genuine is supported by the Scottish proverb that says: "He that deceives me once, shame fall him; if he deceives me twice, shame fall me."

The simple man inherits religious folly, for he cannot detect the lies of false teachers, for he has rejected the only infallible standard by which to test them (Rom 16:17-18; I John 4:1-6). But the prudent man proves all things (Acts 17:11; 1 Thess 5:21). And he prays often for God to reveal more knowledge to him (Ps 119:18; Phil 1:9-11; Jas 1:5). He is fully convinced that Scripture is sufficient for all he needs to know (2 Tim 3:16-17).

Can a simple man become a prudent man? 

Answer - Yes! That is why Solomon wrote Proverbs (Pr 1:4). 

Yes! That is why God inspired Scripture (Ps 19:7; 119:130). 

Wisdom is offered throughout Proverbs and the Bible, but most men do not want it (Pr 8:5; 9:4). 

Sadly, humanity would rather listen to their base lusts and the offers of foolish amusements (Pr 9:13-18). They follow lying seducers, whether whores, friends, educators, or ministers. (Pr 7:6-27).

Note Jesus words: "Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have" (Luke 8:18).

17 hours ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report