Definition and Overview:
Simpleness, in a biblical context, often refers to a state of being uncomplicated, sincere, and free from deceit or guile. It is associated with purity of heart and intention, contrasting with cunning or craftiness. The concept of simpleness is closely related to humility and childlike faith, emphasizing a straightforward and honest approach to life and faith.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 1:22 : "How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge?" This verse highlights the danger of remaining in a state of simpleness that is equated with naivety or ignorance. It serves as a call to seek wisdom and understanding.

2. Proverbs 14:15 : "The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps." Here, simpleness is depicted as gullibility, contrasting with the prudence of a discerning individual. It underscores the importance of discernment and careful consideration in one's actions and beliefs.

3. Matthew 18:3 : "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Jesus emphasizes the value of childlike faith and simplicity, suggesting that a pure and uncomplicated trust in God is essential for entering His kingdom.

4. Romans 16:19 : "Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil." Paul encourages believers to maintain a simple innocence regarding evil, while being wise and discerning in goodness.

Theological Implications:

Simpleness, when understood as purity and sincerity, is a virtue that aligns with the biblical call to live a life of integrity and faithfulness. It is not to be confused with ignorance or foolishness but is rather a quality that reflects a heart aligned with God's will. The Bible encourages believers to cultivate a simple and sincere faith, characterized by trust in God and a rejection of deceit and duplicity.

Practical Application:

1. Cultivating Childlike Faith: Believers are encouraged to approach God with the trust and openness of a child, free from the complications of doubt and skepticism.

2. Pursuing Wisdom: While maintaining a simple and sincere heart, Christians are called to seek wisdom and understanding, avoiding the pitfalls of naivety.

3. Living with Integrity: Simpleness involves living a life of honesty and transparency, reflecting the character of Christ in all interactions.

4. Guarding Against Deceit: Believers should be vigilant against the deceitfulness of sin and the complexities of worldly wisdom that can lead them astray.

In summary, simpleness in the biblical sense is a commendable quality that reflects a heart devoted to God, characterized by sincerity, purity, and a straightforward approach to faith and life.(n.) The quality or state of being simple; simplicity.

Curiosity a Temptation to Sin.
... of, to have no knowledge of sin by experience, as if it argued a strange seclusion
from the world, a childish ignorance of life, a simpleness and narrowness of ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon v curiosity a temptation.htm

The Practice of Piety; Directing a Christian How to Walk that He ...
... (II.) The Attributes thereof; which are either Nominal or Real,"(1.) Absolute, as,
Simpleness, Infiniteness,"(2.) Relative, as, Life, Understanding, Will ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/the practice of piety directing.htm

Inward Mortification and Perfect Resignation are Necessary for ...
... which walk this way, are rare: because there are few in the world, who do totally
deny themselves, to follow Christ crucified, with simpleness and bareness of ...
/.../chap vii inward mortification and.htm

"Prayer Uniteth the Soul to God"
... meek continuant prayer come unto Him now in this life by many privy touchings of
sweet spiritual sights and feeling, measured to us as our simpleness may bear ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter xliii prayer uniteth the.htm

Listen, My Brethren, to Death, Mocking the Evil One: that Caused ...
... when thou madest him sin."4. Eve will cease from that serpent, and rail at thee:
for thou, O Dragon, wast he that beguiled her simpleness."5. Abel will see ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn lvii listen my brethren.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... In simpleness of heart I thought proper to adopt the last principle as my line of
conduct; I do not think I have erred, but I shall be more reserved in future. ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 9.htm

Letter cix. To Julian, Bishop of Cos.
... been forward in aiding their wrongheaded madness, be placed where they can hold
no intercourse with their partners in blasphemy: for the simpleness of some may ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter cix to julian bishop.htm

Rom. xiv. 14
... and thinks it a god, he both keeps feasts to it, and spends money on it, and shows
much fear towards it, and in no case becomes listless from his simpleness. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxvi rom xiv 14.htm

Further References to Cyprian and Ambrose.
... when His face was as going to Jerusalem,"he says, "Learn at the same time that He
would not be received by those who were not converted in simpleness of mind ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 49 further references to cyprian.htm

2 Cor. I. 6, 7
... He said that they discerned not "between their right hand and their left hand:"
whence it is plain that even before, they sinned more out of simpleness than of ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily ii 2 cor i.htm

Simpleness (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The quality or state of being simple; simplicity.
Multi-Version Concordance Simpleness (2 Occurrences). ...
/s/simpleness.htm - 7k

Simple-minded (4 Occurrences)
Simple-minded. Simplehearted, Simple-minded. Simpleness . Noah Webster's
Dictionary ... (See NAS). Simplehearted, Simple-minded. Simpleness . Reference Bible
/s/simple-minded.htm - 7k

Simpler (6 Occurrences)

/s/simpler.htm - 8k

Simpleness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus