I Don’t Like Thinking of Myself as Simple–But I Am
I Don’t Like Thinking of Myself as Simple–But I Am
I’ll tell you the truth. I don’t like being thought of as simple. Nor do I like thinking of myself as a scorner or a fool. But the truth is–I am, at times.
- simple thinking can be “all or nothing thinking”: “I keep failing in the same way. God has given up on me.”
- a scorner can express disbelief like: “God can’t possibly work in that person’s life.”
- a fool thinks: “God isn’t powerful enough to handle this problem.”
Yet, God reaches out to us and pleads with us. He calls to us, How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? (Proverbs 1:22)
The biblical book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom for the times we are simple, or we scorn, or we are a fool. And yes, we all react in those ways at one time or another.
And in one sense, all of Proverbs is God speaking because the writers of Proverbs were led by God to think of wisdom representing the coming Messiah, Jesus. We know Jesus certainly embodies pure wisdom as we see how He lives as revealed in the stories in the Gospels. The definition of wisdom includes discernment, understanding, prudence, discretion, ability to evaluate rightly, awareness of multiple aspects of a topic, and being cooperative with God’s control.
In Proverbs 1:22, God asks two questions: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?” (ESV)
God uses three descriptions for a person rejecting God’s wisdom: being simple, a scoffer, and a fool. In Hebrew, these words refer to someone with characteristics like dull thinking, hardened heart, laziness, naivete, short-sighted, spiritually blinded, and arrogant.
Although hopefully none of us are totally described in one of those ways, there are always times when we act and think foolishly as a result of distrusting God. We are overcome by only seeing our own perspective, not God’s. The gentle and patient Holy Spirit inquires, “How long will you choose this path? You don’t have to continue. Don’t you see the damage to your life? How long will you be blind? I want the best for you and my way is the best for you. Will you see my reproof as a wake-up call?”
The first phrase in Proverbs 1:22 is “how long,” indicating God wants an end to our foolishness, which is fueled by believing He isn’t wise enough to help and He can’t deliver us. Yet God doesn’t give up. He never says, “I understand you are stuck and can’t move therefore I won’t inquire into your heart.” He persists and calls us out of our spiritual blindness and arrogance to help us know there are His better—perfect—alternatives. He gives instructions indicating we can change and grow in wisdom as we are enlightened by Him. How?
- The naive simpleton can ask God to provide an eternal perspective. Transformed spiritual eyes will see God’s good work and trust Him more.
- The scorner can give grace to others who struggle knowing everyone struggles and must vulnerably ask for forgiveness.
- The fool who hates knowledge can ask God for the gift of hunger for God’s Word, thus comprehending the deep things of God.
The simpleton, scorner, and fool will want to change after understanding God’s love and care motivates His call for our godly living.
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We can be assured God offers the benefits and joys of a changed life because the next verse, Proverbs 1:23, gives God’s promise: “If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.”
As a result, we can stop being simple, a scorner, and a fool. And we can start being happier. Here are two questions to consider:
- How do you think God’s wisdom is related to His love?
- In what way do you need to be more assured of God’s wise love right now?
Omnipotent God, I praise you how your loving nature motivates everything you do. Thank you for your patient willingness to show me what’s best for my life.
(Would you like to study the biblical book of The Proverbs? I’d love for you to consider my women’s Bible study “Heart Wisdom: Daughters of the King Bible Study Series.” It has ten lessons examining with commentary and questions, topics like communication, marriage, parenting, conflict, money, trusting God, love/hatred, correction, pride/humility, and a woman after God’s own heart. This study book is perfect for individual and group study.)
