We Are Simple People
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“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” ( Psalm 119: 130).
“Simple” is frequently understood as a negative aspect of one’s character, too often meaning one who is insignificant, of little account or value. A more positive meaning is to be open, honest or free from pride. The word in Hebrew, however, brings a very different nuance. The psalmist describes the simple as one who is easily seduced, deceived, deluded or enticed.
Lest we think these descriptions certainly could not apply to us, think for a moment of the very purpose of modern advertising. How often do the words “you need” this product pop up in actuality or in subtle hints? Enticement is at the core of the industry.
It is not difficult to apply spiritual meaning: we can very easily be seduced, deceived, deluded or enticed into thinking that we have all the knowledge and capability to succeed in whatever endeavors we attempt whether in the areas of commerce, marriage, parenting, relationships or—of crucial importance—our experience with God.
It is only in the unfolding of God’s Word that we gain understanding to what and who are truly important. It is as God’s Word finds wide open entrance into the depths of our personalities that we gain true understanding of ourselves. Wise people are much needed today in all spheres of the world. We dare not risk avoiding the very thing that will fit us for the job.
Lord, I admit how easily I am seduced, deceived, deluded or enticed by the culture around me, and even by my own selfish inclinations. Help me to be willing to spend the time and effort necessary for the true unfolding of Your Word.
Questions: How does God’s Word help us not to be so easily seduced, deceived and deluded? What steps will you take so as not to be deceived by the culture around you in areas of commerce, marriage, parenting and/or relationships?
About the Author Marilyn J. Ehle
thank you
Thank you for this challenging message. I was convicted because it’s funny, God has been convicting me of this message too. It is easy as the bible says, ‘to be wise in our own eyes,’ and I guess, over the years God has been warning me about how dangerous this can be. I, too, for a time was wise in my own eyes, and I think the scary thing is how easily we can be deceived. Especially in these days and times, when there are so many doctrines and ‘feel good’ messages out there, it is easy to just take what we want to hear & run with it. I guess I have been challenged, because I am trying to balance what God is saying & also take ‘advice’ from those God has appointed over us (pastors, leaders, etc.) and really discern what it is God wants me to hear. I pray God has mercy on us today, & really helps us to discern what He wants us to hear. Thanks for listening, God bless!
I describe myself as simple. I looked it up in the dictionary, and I found “humble (a person of humble origins)”. I like humble better than “seduced, deceived and deluded”. I also liked: “not elaborate or artificial, plain: of simple style, not ornate, not luxurious, unaffected, unassuming, modest, not complicated, not complex… It is definitely a word w/ a lot of meanings. I do like where you pointed out “simple” in Psalm 119: 130… I will dig into my Bible today, and decided whether I want to keep describing myself as simple. Interesting devotional, and somewhat of a challenge. Thank you.