See if this biblical statement surprises you as it did me:
“The Lord protects the simplehearted.” Isn’t that puzzling? I thought scripture warned us against Simple Simon behaviors.
For example, the book of Proverbs speaks repeatedly about the folly of naiveté, foolishness, and recklessness:
- “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps” (14:15).
- “The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge” (14:18).
- “A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it” (22:3).
God does not generally protect those given to foolishness. More often he allows foolish behaviors to point out our need of him. Clearly simple of heart must mean something else.
I turned to other translations, to see what terms they may have used, and another surprise awaited me. Seven different translations chose seven different descriptors.
The simplehearted are:
- Unwary (New International Version, 2011)
- Helpless (Good News Translation)
- Innocent (New English Translation)
- Inexperienced (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
- Ordinary (Contemporary English Version)
- Defenseless (GOD’S WORD® Translation)
- Those of childlike faith (New Living Translation)
M-m-m. Those are not particularly desirable qualities in our culture. We tend to value shrewdness and self-reliance, sophistication and exceptionality, strength and power.
But simplehearted is a positive trait in another culture–the kingdom of God–where those with childlike faith are commended (Matthew 19:14).
Further consideration reveals why the simplehearted are in need of protection. At any given time, we are:
- Unwary of potential danger caused by our enemy, Satan
- Caught in troubling situations with no means of escape
- Blameless yet accused (Consider false guilt part of this category)
- Amateurs in applying God’s Word to the hard choices of life
- Trapped on the treadmill of humdrum routine
- Vulnerable to burnout, discouragement, jealousy, anger—you name it
Did you see yourself among those descriptors? I sure do.
But praise God, my frailties do not repulse him. On the contrary, because of his loving and caring nature, he deeply desires to protect us simplehearted folks.
Now there’s another word that can trip us up: protect. We’d like God to keep us completely safe from trouble, pain, and harm. And sometimes he does—even in miraculous ways.
Other times, God protects us through the trouble (2).
Satan, however, wants us to think that God’s promises have failed us if we have to endure hardship.
But one look at the godly people around us who suffer and it becomes clear: God does not create heaven on earth for the subjects of his kingdom.
God’s idea of protection is to keep us out of the hands of the enemy, Satan (2 Thessalonians 3:3)…
…and to guard our hearts and minds with his peace in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7)—until he takes us home. That’s when all heartache and pain will cease.
Meantime, “There isn’t a single moment when you’re not tucked next to the heart of God” (3).
Such sweet comfort for those of us with simple hearts, reaching out with childlike faith for our Father’s perfect protection.
* * * * * * * * * *
I praise you, O God, that you protect the simplehearted. Your eye is upon us, your arm is around us, your ear is open to our prayers. Your grace is sufficient, your promises unchangeable. My simple heart is filled with grateful praise!
(2 Chronicles 16:9; Isaiah 40:11; Psalm 34:15; 2 Corinthians 12:9;
Psalm 145:13b, and a John Newton quote)
Notes:
(1) Psalm 116:6a (NIV, 1984, emphasis added)
(2) See Perfect Trouble for more reflection on this topic.
(3) Tony Evans and Chrystal Evans Hurst, Kingdom Woman Devotional
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From the Inside Out 