The simple man and the foolish man are not willing to learn nor have they been trained to see beyond the surface of things.

Life is itself confusing and at times deceptive. This problem is complicated by people who willingly misrepresent reality either in an attempt to deceive or due to their own ignorance. The simple man has neglected to study and has refused to learn, but he is willing to believe the ridiculous. Usually
the simple believe what they wish were true and what they currently desire were true.

The prudent man has the patience, the self-control, and the training/education to “give thought to their steps.” The prudent man has the ability to see beyond superficial appearances.

Besides being n aïve in Proverbs 14:15, the simple or foolish man is also:

• Lacking in sense or judgment sills in Proverbs 9:4, 16
• Overconfident in Proverbs 14:16
• Emotional, making decisions based on feelings instead of with wisdom and reason
  in Proverbs 14:17

How the Church in Rome and the Roman Bishop Gained Absolute Power

Matthew 16:17-19 - Around 440 Leo I claimed that Jesus had given Peter authority over the whole church

Apostolic Succession - The apostles established churches and church leaders. It was assumed that Peter had given his authority to the leader in Rome

Head of Empire - Rome was the head of the empire that the church began in, so it was natural to look to Rome as the head of the Church

Size of Rome - Rome’s population, both pagan and Christian, was greater than any other city’s

Evangelism Success - While the barbarians were conquering the West, the church was converting them. When the Muslims came into the East the Eastern Church did not equal the evangelism success of the West

City of Peter and Paul’s Martyrdom - When the church began to seek after and honor the relics of saints, the Roman Church had the relics of the two superstars in its city