A frequent misinterpretation treats 'simple concerning evil' as a call for total ignorance or avoidance of any knowledge about wrongdoing, implying believers should live in a bubble shielded from the world's realities, which distorts Paul's point of innocence in participation rather than awareness; another error assumes this promotes overall naivety or lack of street smarts, overlooking the paired emphasis on wisdom toward good, thus missing the nuance of discerning purity that equips one to resist evil without being corrupted by it.
Romans 16:19
King James Version (1769)
19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
Paul commends the Roman believers for their obedience, which has become widely known, and expresses gladness for them, while exhorting them to be wise or discerning in what is good and innocent or guileless regarding evil, highlighting the balance of spiritual maturity that pursues righteousness shrewdly yet remains untainted by sin through purity of heart and avoidance of wicked practices.