Wouldn't it be wise to pause, pray and check in the Bible regarding an issue first before we act too quickly? Sure, yet it's easy to forget to inquire of the Lord.
The word challenges us not to walk naively or compulsively or to believe everything you’re told. The Bible is true and inerrant, but many are the false teachers today even in some churches so it's smart to be discerning.
Who had to deal with this tough stuff? Josiah was naïve.
"But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, 'What is the issue between you and me, O king of Judah? I have not come against you today, but I am fighting another dynasty. God told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you!' Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo. There the archers shot King Josiah, who said to his servants, 'Take me away, for I am badly wounded!'" 2 Chronicles 35:21-23
Pete also had to deal with these challenges. Impetuous Peter was self-confident and compulsive at times, but not so much naïve that I can see. He had a zealous heart but grew in wisdom. And God used him in a big way. Religious egotistical king Saul was also compulsive--he was hatefully competitive, jealous and or envious of David's popularity. His pride and rebellion took him down.
So who else in God’s Book was naive? Eve in the garden of Eden was--she was deceived and Adam was not deceived but acted stupidly. She was overly trusting before her enemy who was casting doubt on God's word and goodness. Perhaps not really understanding clearly the character of who she was being tempted by. My wife Liney believes that women in general are more easily deceived than men, and that's why the Bible teaches that a elder / pastor is to be a born again spiritually mature growing man. I am not sure on "more easily deceived" because I know many men who are.
Man, one day we can sit down and ask Josiah about all this. He made great choices and gained far more victories than I ever did.
Who is Philippians 3:19 referring to when it says, “Whose god is their belly”?
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. 1 Corinthians 14:20b..the sensible man considers his steps. See Proverbs 14:15-25A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is arrogant and careless.A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.The evil will bow down before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.The poor is hated even by his neighbor, but those who love the rich are many.He who despises his neighbor sins, but happy is he who is gracious to the poor.Will they not go astray who devise evil? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good.In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools is foolishness.A truthful witness saves lives, but he who utters lies is treacherous.The naive inherit foolishness, but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.” Proverbs 14:18For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Who was impetuous Peter in the Bible? ..Remember when he was the one out walking on water? Later he cut off an ear and Jesus had to fix it so there'd be no evidence.
How long will you gullible people love being so gullible? How long will you mockers find joy in your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge?” Proverbs 1:22A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. Proverbs 27:12The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. Proverbs 22:3For the waywardness of the naive will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. Proverbs 1:32For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. Romans 16:18Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so. Hebrews 13:9Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Ephesians 5:6Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 2 Thessalonians 2:3See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding. Proverbs 8:5Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. 1 Corinthians 14:20Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17And I saw among the naive, and discerned among the youths a young man lacking sense. Proverbs 7:7Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." 1 Corinthians 3:18-20The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. Proverbs 21:10-11For wrath will slay a fool; zealous anger will kill the naive. Job 5:2..for giving prudence to the naive, and knowledge and discretion to the young. Prov 1:4"You naive ones, how long will you love naivety And how long will scoffers delight in scoffing or fools hate knowledge?" Prov 1:22Indeed, the waywardness of the naive will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. Prov 1:32Understand prudence, you naive people; and gain an understanding heart, you foolish ones. Prov 8:5'Let whoever is naive, turn in here.' To anyone lacking sense, she says.. Prov 9:4Leave your naive ways, and live. Walk in the path of understanding. Prov 9:6The woman of folly is boisterous, she is naive and knows nothing. Prov 9:13"Whoever is naive turn in here!" And to anyone lacking sense, she says.. Prov 9:16The naive believes everything, but the sensible man considers his steps. Prov 14:15The naive inherit folly, but the careful are crowned with knowledge. Prov 14:18Strike a scoffer and the naïve may become shrewd, but reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge. Prov 19:25When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. Prov 21:11The prudent person sees trouble ahead and hides, but the naive continue on and suffer the consequences. Prov 22:3Those who are prudent see danger and take refuge, but the naive continue on and suffer the consequences. Prov 27:12Thus you shall do on the seventh day of the month for everyone who goes astray or is naive; so you shall make atonement for the house. Ezek 45:20For these are the kind who do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By their smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of the naïve. Rom 16:18
