The Myth of the Open Mind

(Pro 19:25 KJV)  Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

Today as I write I am looking for a verse that fits into a thought I already have.  Since I knew the issue I wanted to expand on, I was also aware that Proverbs speaks about it frequently so my chances of it popping up were good.  Proverbs came through.  I refer to the term “simple” (naive NASB) (6612a).  The reason it is on my mind is because in a discussion with another believer who was trying to bring me to his position he kept saying, “You need to keep an open mind.”  I have a hard time not laughing when people say this because of my knowledge of Proverbs.

I laugh because the root in the Hebrew for this word is open.  Thus in Hebrew to be naive and simple is to have an open mind.  The word picture is a large space able to accept whatever needs to be stored so I tend to think of this open mind they want me to have is a garbage dump with room for every bit of nonsense the world has to offer.  

So?  I will be open to the teachings of God as expressed in the Bible.  I will be skeptical to all the traditions of man that keep trying to change how I think.