SIMPLICITY
1. In the OT simple is, with one exception, the translation of a word (pĕthî), whose root-idea is openness. Openness of mind is praiseworthy when it implies willingness to receive instruction; it becomes blameworthy when it connotes a disposition equally receptive of good and of evil, or an incapacity to distinguish between right and wrong. In Proverbs the simple are represented as needing prudence (Pro_1:4 RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] ), and they are exhorted to understand prudence (Pro_8:5 RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] ). In Pro_14:15; Pro_14:18 the prudent are favourably contrasted with the simple who believe every word, and therefore inherit folly. It is the testimony of the Lord that makes the simple wise (Psa_19:7; cf. Psa_119:130). In 2Sa_15:11 simplicity means integrity (tôm). In the LXX [Note: Septuagint.] the Heb. word (yôsher) for straightness or uprightness is translated by the NT equivalent of simplicity (haplotçs).
2. In the NT simple (akeraios = Lat. integer) is used twice (Mat_10:16 RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] , Rom_16:19) to describe the character in which there is no foreign admixture; the RV [Note: Revised Version.] retains simplicity as the rendering of haplotçs only in 2Co_11:3, where it denotes those in whose character there are no folds, who are whole-hearted in their devotion to Christ (Trench, NT Synonyms, § lvi.). The Christian ideal is simplicity toward Christ (2Co_11:3). In the life of His loyal disciples dove-like simplicity is blended with the wisdom of the serpent (Mat_10:16). Their eye being single (haplous), their whole body is full of light (Mat_6:22). Christ Jesus being made unto them wisdom from God (1Co_1:30), they are no longer beguiled like Eve, but are wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil (Rom_16:19).
J. G. Tasker.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909
sim-plis?i-ti (פּתיּוּת, pethayyūth; ἁπλότης, haplótēs): The words in the Old Testament commonly translated ?simplicity? are pethı̄, ?simple? (Pro_1:22), pethayyūth, ?simplicity? (Rom_9:13 margin), tōm, ?completeness,? ?integrity? (2Sa_15:11), ?They went in their simplicity.? In the New Testament, haplotēs, ?singleness of mind,? ?simplicity,? occurs in Rom_12:8, ?He that giveth let him do it with simplicity,? the Revised Version (British and American) ?liberality,? margin ?Greek: 'singleness'?; 2Co_1:12, ?in simplicit and godly sincerity,? the Revised Version (British and American) (with corrected text) ?in holiness and sincerity of God?; 2Co_11:3, ?the simplicity that is in Christ,? the Revised Version (British and American) (with corrected text) ?the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ?; compare Eph_6:5; Col_3:22, where the translation is ?singleness? In The Wisdom of Solomon 1:1 we have, ?Think ye of the Lord with a good mind (the King James Version ?heart?), and in singleness (the King James Version ?simplicity?) of heart seek ye him? (haplotēs). our Lord also speaks (Mat_6:22; Luk_11:34) of the ?single eye? (haploús), and James (Jam_1:5) applies haplṓs, ?simply,? ?directly,? without after-thought (the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) ?liberally?) to God, who had been described by Plato (Rep. ii. 382 E) as being perfectly simple (haplous) and true, both in word and deed. In such ?simplicity? - openness, sincerity, freedom from double-mindedness - man most resembles God and is most open to His visitation and blessing.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.