Easily deceived!

“And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not anything.” II Samuel 15:11

This chapter reveals how Absalom stole the hearts of Israel and who followed him in his conspiracy against the throne of David his father. Let’s understand that Absalom was not God’s plan or man for the throne of Israel, David was. Absalom would die in battle and those who followed him would recognize their disgraceful decision.

The passage above testifies of two hundred men who followed Absalom in their simplicity. They did not know he was conspiring against the king. To be simple means they were innocent n motive and ignorant of fact. It does not mean they were stupid or sinful but they were deceived and would be caught up in a battle against the rightful king of Israel. They would lose this battle and may have lost their lives in the process. The scripture seems to imply they may not have followed Absalom if they knew what was going on.

God’s word has a lot to say about the simple man especially in Proverbs. In Proverbs 7:7-27 we have a story of a simple man who ends up in adultery destroying his life. “And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,” – Proverbs 7:7. The adulterous woman cried out for him and got his attention and he followed her all the way home he had not developed the self-restraint to keep himself and he would pay dearly for his simplicity. The simple man must beware of the voices that always appeal to fleshly appetites rather than godly character.

Satan can take advantage of a church by getting the attention of the simple ones. They become the victims and the vehicles of division because they are simple minded.  “Now I beseech you, brethren mark them that cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” – Romans 16:17-18

The simple will still give an account for the laws they have broken even if they do not know them. A man is still accountable for breaking the speed limit even if he does not know the law. If he is able to drive it is his responsibility to learn the law and pay attention to the signs. We all start out simple but we should not remain simple. It is our duty to learn and get informed of the facts. There is great danger to believe just one side of an argument. We can get caught up emotionally against someone and later on find out we took the wrong side.

To remain simple in marriage is to make light of marriage. Most people that divorce did not intend to divorce when they got married. The problem is, that they remained simple and never developed the knowledge nor the maturity to deal with conflict or temptation.

A parent who remains simple towards his children is guilty of neglect. Parents need to understand they are responsible to teach their children character and godliness. This takes learning on purpose and parenting on purpose!

As believers, we have no excuse to remain simple. God has provided us with all of the wisdom we need, through his Word. This wisdom exposes the enemy and teaches us what the right path is for our lives. Remember there will always be an Absalom looking to mislead the simple.