Proverbs 14:15,  The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

Proverbs 7:7,  tells us that the simple are void of understanding.

But God loves the simple and he makes provisions for the simple not to be simple.

He wants the simple to move from simple to the wise!

His word tells us that:  the law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

The LORD preserveth the simple. He looks out for the welfare of the simple.

He giveth understanding unto the simple. His word gives subtlety to the simple.

Proverbs 8:5, encourages the simple to understand wisdom.

Proverbs 19:25, tells us that the simple will beware by observing the smiting of a scorner, and when the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise.

So those that are simple are teachable by certain methods.

They pay attention to punishment.

They have a childlike response when scorners get punished.

But they do not have a wisdom about them to consider the effects of choices.

Note what Proverbs 22:3 says,  A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

The simple do not have that which is necessary to analyze information as true or false.

They have an innocence about them that causes them to believe every word.

They do not have an understanding upon which to base decisions as to judge what is true or what is false so they easily believe anything they are told.

The simple believeth every word because they do not have the tools to know what is true or what is false.

Something is lacking in their toolbox.

Believing every word is good if it is God's word that you believe.

To believe every word of God is what faith is all about.

You can rest in God's word because God is truth and every word of God is truth.

But God does not expect you to believe his word without looking well to the evidence of its validity.

Our understanding of God's word is based upon evidence that God himself amply provides us.

You are to put his word to the test.

Psalm 34:8,  O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

You are to compare scripture with scripture to see the perfect consistency and order of his word.

God does not desire you to be simple concerning his word.

As Paul tells us in Romans, "I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil."

And as Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 10:16,  Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

If we are simple concerning God's word we so easily can be seduced by false preachers, false workers of iniquity, wolves.

Satan loves to devour the simple. They are tender meats to his taste.

Peter knew when he said in 1 Peter 5:8,  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Eve believed every word of the serpent because she was simple concerning God's word.

Millions believe the television huckster/preachers because they are simple concerning God's word.

Some novelty that tickles the ear is passed for the revelation of God.

Some favorite and popular name draws the simple, unquestioning, innocent to him.

Unless we have a knowledge and an understanding of God's word we are simple and we do not have the tools to be otherwise.

We will have no basis for looking well to our going.

Without that basis we are what Ephesians 4:14 talks about,  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Who do they deceive? The simple. Simple as children.

Just because something is sweet does not necessarily mean it is good.

Don't you think the sleight of men will be made attractive?

Don't your think the winds of doctrine will feel good blowing over the flesh?

Cunning craftiness is designed to convince the simple.

We are not to be as children to substitute feeling and excitement for solid practical biblical principles.

If it feels good, do it, is a philosophy of the simple.

We are to be henceforth no more children. We are not to believe every word.

We may be simple when we come into God's family, but God does not intend for us to remain simple.

Simple becomes prudent when the Lord is obeyed.

The prudent man is cautious when hearing the words of man.

He enters into conversation with a God-given understanding of the nature of man and man's self-serving ways.

He tries before trusting. He is careful of the consequences of his actions.

Remember Nehemiah 6:2,3, when he was engaged in the important task of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem?

How did Nehemiah know their thoughts to do him mischief?

Why did he not leave the work and meet Sanballat and Geshem?

Because he was prudent, he was cautious in his dealings with men.

It was his developed habit to look well or careful in going or in making decisions.

Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, to,  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

And John advises prudence in 1 John 4:1, when he tells us,  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Look well to your going by the only standard that will pass the test.

The Bereans have been remembered through the centuries as noble because they were not simple.

They did not simply believe the great apostle Paul's word simply because he had a great reputation and a great name.

Why? Because they were interested in looking well to their going.

They believed that all things were to be done decently and in order and that includes believing or not believing the word of man.

The law of the LORD is perfect, making wise the simple.