Simplicity, or Want of Understanding
DAY TWENTY
PONDER THIS ENGRAVING
MEDITATE ON THESE VERSES
Proverbs 8:5 | Proverbs 6:27 | Job 39:17 | Proverbs 9:4 | Proverbs 7:7 | Proverbs 10:13 | Proverbs 17:18 | Proverbs 22:15
Be not children in understanding. 1 Corinthians 14:20
POETIC REFLECTION
Deep in a meadow of rich verdure green,
A simple child of beauteous form is seen;
Pleased with the serpent’s fascinating charms,
She fondly takes it to her circling arms;
Nor of the brilliant snake thinks aught of fear,
Though death among its charms lies lurking there.
But when the cricket’s harmless form appears,
She’s much affrighted, and bursts forth in tears;
Although its merry chirp no dangers bring,
Nor in its homely shape e’er wars a sting.
Just so the youth, deceived by beauty’s form,
Nor knows that roses always bear a thorn.
Choose then for mates alone the good and wise,
And learn the homely never to despise.
DEVOTION OF INTERPRETATION
The engraving shows a little child, all alone in a field. In its simplicity it fondles a deadly serpent; attracted by its brilliant and shining colors, the artless child takes hold of it without fear. She is about to take it to her bosom, when the cricket’s merry chirp is heard; she is startled. In a moment the lively insect, with one spring, stands before her. Now she cries out for fear; she is greatly terrified. Thus in her simplicity, she courts death, and embraces it; while she is frightened at homeliness, accompanied by innocence and song.
This is an emblem of the young and inexperienced. The term simple, or simplicity, has a twofold meaning in Scripture. There are “the simple” whom “the Lord preserveth,” and “the simple” who “pass on and are punished.” In the first instance, it signifies sincerity, innocence: in the second, folly, or want of understanding. It may, therefore, be applied to the young, and the inconsiderate of all ages, who, for want of knowledge and experience, act without considering the consequences of their actions.
The youth knows not how to judge of objects that present themselves before him. Inexperienced, he knows not how to choose aright. He is in constant danger of putting evil for good, and good for eveil; bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. Hence, he needs the instruction of God’s Holy Work to enable him to discern the things that are excellent; to prove all things, and hold fast that which is good. Above all, he needs the enlightening influences of the Holy Spirit to “give him understanding,” and guide him into all truth.
This want to understanding, moreover, displays itself in the wrong choice that is often made of companions; while the homely person, who may have much of wisdom and goodness, is rejected, the accomplished villain is selected as a bosom friend. The youth, deceived by his showy exterior and smooth tongue, unbosoms himself to him without reserve. The villain laughs at his simplicity, betrays his confidence, and leads him into ruin irreparable.
Hence, how necessary it is that the inexperienced youth should seek the counsel of the aged and the wise, and follow the godly admonitions of parents and guardians. This would save them many a false step, and much misery in after-life.
Appearances are deceitful. The ignus-fatuus looks like a friendly light, but it betrays the unwary traveler down to the secret chambers of death. Poisoned berries sometimes look like tempting grapes; ice, though it may seem firm, oftentimes breaks in , and plunges the rash youth into a watery grave; wine, when it giveth its color in the cup, at the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. It was when Eve say that the tree was pleasant to the eyes, that she took of the fruit thereof, by which act she lost Eden, and brought death into our world, and all our woe.
If , the, an act seem to be right, be sure it it so before you do it. If any thing appears to be good, be sure it is so before you touch it. If any of your acquaintance seem to be virtuous, be sure they are so ere you take them for bosom friends. “The simple pass on and are punished; but he that trusteth in the Lord shall be delivered.”
“Ye simple souls that stray
Far from the paths of peace,
That lonely, unfrequented way
To life and happiness:
Why will ye folly love,
And throng the downward road,
And hate the wisdom from above,
And mock the sons of God?”
Barber, John Warner, 1798-1885. Bible Looking Glass: Reflector, Companion and Guide to the Great Truths of the Sacred Scriptures, and Illustrating the Diversities of Human Character, and the Qualities of the Human Heart.
Philadelphia, Bradley, Garretson & Co., 1861