Proverbs 14:15-18, A Study In Contrasts

August 16, Proverbs 14:15-18

Psalm 18:25-31; 1 John 4:1-6 “The Lord preserveth the simple; I was brought low and he helped me” (Ps. 116:6).

A Study In Contrasts

These four verses have some common elements. The simple and the fool is one and the same, as is the prudent and the wise. These words, thus contrasted, have much to say about the state of our world. Surely simplicity, meaning openness, and trust, are commendable qualities. Why, then, do they tend to be either unappreciated or even despised by many? How often Scripture speaks of God’s care for the simple, the meek or the afflicted? Christ said: Blessed are the meek. Simplicity and trust are better than doubt and suspicion. He commended the simple faith and trust of a little child.

1. The Corruption of the Credulous: Why is the prudent, the sensible person, who understands the ways of the world, equated with the wise and thus commended? Why is the simple person linked here with a fool? That such is the case only serves to remind us that we live in a wicked, sinful world. The real shame is not so much in the simple person, but in the one who tries to take advantage of, or mislead him (Mk. 9:42). This has produced an evil priest-craft, even within Christianity, that preys on credulous souls. A too earnest willingness to believe others can be dangerous. Was it not thus that our first parents fell? The simple one, who believes every word, doesn’t realise sufficiently that this is a world of lies, of deception. He must remember that he too is sinful and needs wisdom, and where does the simple find wisdom but in God, and that for the asking? If he is spiritually wise, he will look to the Saviour alone for acceptance. Those who are too credulous must develop a holy fear that alone can guard them from unholy designs.

2. The Correction of the Cautious: Can you now see the thrust of these proverbs? To believe every word of man is dangerous credulity, but to believe every word of God is true faith. Yes, the faith way is the best way, but remember, faith in the wrong thing or person is deadly. Whether prudence is good or bad depends on motive and purpose. Where the simple believes everything, the prudent tests before he trusts (Ps. 34:8). A prudent man is a wise man, who stakes his hope in God’s Word. Like the noble Bereans, he searches the scriptures daily whether these things were so (Acts 17:11). Such men seek their wisdom from God and His Word. Therefore, they bring all feelings and sentiments under Divine control. The prudence of the wise should always help the simple and never hurt them, but when the fool rages, he has lost his temper and become arrogant instead of simple! In Psalm 78:21, 59 the same word rendered rageth here, is translated was wroth. Sadly, the fool brazenly trusts himself, not the Lord! He has become guilty of blatant wickedness, and is playing with fire! The simple must keep open to God and follow the clear leading of His word. Prudence is vitally needed because of the tendency on man’s part to easy-believism, because error is so widespread in this sinful world, and, because of the awful hurt to the soul that falsehood can produce.

Thought: True simplicity is a door opened to Heaven’s Wisdom.

Prayer: Lord, keep me from “falling for anything” not in Thy Word.