On Being "Simple" As Used by the Psalmist

Psalm 119:130(KJV)

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

This verse of the Bible actually does not talk about the attitude to receiving God's word, but rather the potency of God's word.

The word "simple" there is the Hebrew word "pethâ'îy" (pethîy pethîy pethâ'îy). It is used about 19 times in the Hebraic lexicon and it basically means FOOLISH. It is always used in tandem with being foolish/folly/fools.

See some other verses it was used:

Psalm 19:7(KJV)

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the SIMPLE.

Proverbs 1:22(KJV)

How long, ye SIMPLE ONES, will ye love SIMPLICITY? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

Proverbs 1:32(KJV)

For the turning away of the SIMPLE shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

Proverbs 8:5(KJV)

O ye SIMPLE, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

Proverbs 9:6(KJV)

Forsake the FOOLISH, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

You see how wrong it would be to pray "to be simple" in order to receive God's word, on the premise of this verse? That would be a curse. Lol. 🙂

"Entrance" in our text means disclosure; revelation.

So, in essence, that verse is simply the psalmist musing about "the potency of God's word in making wise the foolish".

Blessings.

Victor Ibosiola © 2018