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SIMPLICITY
1. In the OT ‘simple’ is, with one exception, the translation of a word (pĕî), whose root-idea is ‘openness.’ Openness of mind is praiseworthy when it implies willingness to receive instruction; it becomes blameworthy when it connotes a disposition equally receptive of good and of evil, or an incapacity to distinguish between right and wrong. In Proverbs ‘the simple’ are represented as needing ‘prudence’ (Pro_1:4 RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] ), and they are exhorted to ‘understand prudence’ (Pro_8:5 RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] ). In Pro_14:15; Pro_14:18 ‘the prudent’ are favourably contrasted with ‘the simple’ who ‘believe every word,’ and therefore ‘inherit folly.’ It is ‘the testimony of the Lord’ that makes the simple wise (Psa_19:7; cf. Psa_119:130). In 2Sa_15:11 ‘simplicity’ means ‘integrity’ (tôm). In the LXX [Note: Septuagint.] the Heb. word (yôsher) for ‘straightness’ or ‘uprightness’ is translated by the NT equivalent of ‘simplicity’ (haplotçs).
2. In the NT ‘simple’ (akeraios = Lat. integer) is used twice (Mat_10:16 RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] , Rom_16:19) to describe the character in which there is ‘no foreign admixture’; the RV [Note: Revised Version.] retains ‘simplicity’ as the rendering of haplotçs only in 2Co_11:3, where it denotes those in whose character there are ‘no folds,’ who are whole-hearted in their devotion to Christ (Trench, NT Synonyms, § lvi.). The Christian ideal is ‘simplicity toward Christ’ (2Co_11:3). In the life of His loyal disciples dove-like simplicity is blended with the wisdom of the serpent (Mat_10:16). Their ‘eye’ being ‘single’ (haplous), their ‘whole body’ is ‘full of light’ (Mat_6:22). Christ Jesus being made unto them ‘wisdom from God’ (1Co_1:30), they are no longer beguiled like Eve, but are ‘wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil’ (Rom_16:19).
J. G. Tasker.