Posted on 03/08/2019 5:50:29 AM PST by Pilgrim's Progress
“O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart” (Proverbs 8:5 KJV).
The simple are “those not yet perverted but easily influenced for good or evil”. This is where each person begins. If people do not acquire wisdom later on, then they are considered “fools”. The interjection form shows the urgency of being directed in the right way. “Webster” says of wisdom or prudence: “Ability to regulate and discipline oneself through the exercise of the reason.”
“O ye simple, understand wisdom.” The Gospel, the wisdom of God in a mystery, particularly the doctrine of salvation by Christ; it is the highest wisdom to know Christ and him crucified: and they are "the simple" who are weak and easy to be imposed upon, who are here called unto; and generally speaking such are they to whom the mysteries of grace are made known, while they are hid from the wise and prudent.
The “simple” are the inconsiderate, the thoughtless; while the “fool” are those who do not choose “the fear of the Lord,” and remain in their darkened state of unbelief.
“. . . and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart,” make use of all means to get spiritual wisdom and understanding; all men are fools as to a spiritual and experimental knowledge of divine things; and that man can only be said to have truly an understanding heart that knows his own folly, the plague of his heart, his need of Christ, the worth of him; and has an understanding given him to know him and his interest in him.
Remember, it is not mental incapacity that prevents men from receiving the instructions of heavenly wisdom. That, as a natural obstacle, constituting a natural inability, would stand as a valid excuse, and acquit them of guilt. This was the sentiment of Jesus to the Pharisees, when he said, "If ye were blind, ye should have no sin" (John 9:41). The guilt of men lies in their indisposition of heart to attend to divine counsels. It is this that warps, and prejudices, and blinds, and dupes the understanding.
Why be a fool? Take the offered wisdom and understanding today. How? Humble yourself before God’s word and this warning, repent of your foolishness, repudiate your sins, admit your ignorance, and conform every thought, word, and action to His holy word. Find a Bible-preaching church that emphasizes truth and wisdom and join it.
Father, Your servant Paul instructed us to be “simple” concerning the evil, but “wise unto that which is good.” For the lost, “simple” means they have not understood, but are capable of learning the way of salvation by grace through faith; and for the believer “simple” has as it’s goal a sublime ignorance of the things which cause us to err. Increase our ability to learn more about You and less about the world. Amen.
Let’s read a chapter of Proverbs a day and see what God might have for us. As the Lord leads, share with us what God has shown you in a special way and by His grace let us build up a devotional repository. Let’s keep our knives and forks handy for some daily bread!
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Very poignant in today’s politically world of simplicity of fools and the blind followers of today’s liberal politicians.
“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:22 KJV).
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