Proverbs 15:19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

Nowhere in the bible is the gospel described as simple. It is however according to the parable of the sower to be received with understanding. Over the past few weeks I have laid out points of interest to hopefully make some gospel issues plain. I’ve identified different points of interest with details sufficient enough to make each plainly understood.

Here in this proverb we look at the slothful man and his hedge of thorns. Language definitions change over time rendering an understanding of slothful as being lazy. What if it meant slow? The sloth is very slow and very deliberate. You can see in their movement that every branch is tested a little bit at a time to see if it is safe to bear its weight.

The hedge of thorns is a method of providing protection. They do not want to be vulnerable. In contrast we have what is called simple. Here again language has altered the meaning to identify simple people as being stupid and that is not the case in salvation.

Psalm 116:6 The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

Think of simple as those who do not have a haughty spirit. They are not arrogant.

Romans 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

In this case Paul refers to simple as being innocent. Jesus implied as much in one of His more noticeable chastisements.

Matthew 19:13-14 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Two attributes of note in young children that are well loved are trust and innocence.