Lack of Knowledge
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)
Ignorance is not a very pleasant word, nor is it apt to produce very happy thoughts. Yet, it is a very important one and figures very prominently in the scriptures and, therefore, should be given proper consideration. There are other words of similar import, but none that will fully take its place. Much of the sting or unpleasantness of the word will be taken away by a real and proper understanding of the meaning. For instance, the word knowledge preceded by “lack of” in our text is a good example. Regardless of the many shades or aspects in which the word can be used, it’s primary meaning is simply “lack of knowledge.” Proof: “Funk and Wagnalls New Practical Standard Dictionary” gives the first and primary meaning thus: “Ignorance (noun) 1. The state of being ignorant; the condition of not being informed: lack of knowledge.” Therefore, whatever one is uninformed about, they are ignorant of, to the extent they are lacking in correct information. The better informed is first to acknowledge his ignorance in matters of which he is not informed. Think about that! It will do you good.
In the light of the above, I hope we can overcome some of our aversion to the word ignorance and, not only that, but try to overcome our state of being in that condition in many respects. For, as stated in the text at the head of this article, it is at the bottom and the primary cause of all our troubles. Please, read carefully the following scriptures in which the word is used. “…through ignorance ye did…” (Acts 3:17); “… the times of ignorance God winked at;…” (17:30); “…through the ignorance that is in them,…” (Ephesians 4:18); “…the former lusts in your ignorance…” (I Peter 1:14); “…put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:…” (2:15); “Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren,…” (Romans 1:13); “…they being ignorant of God’s righteousness,…” (10:3); “…I would not that ye should be ignorant,…” (I Corinthians 10:1); “…brethren, I would not have you ignorant” (12:1); “…would not, brethren, have you ignorant…” (2 Corinthians 1:18); “But I would not have you to be ignorant,…” (I Thessalonians 4:13); “Who can have compassion on the ignorant,…” (Hebrews 5:2); “for this they are willingly ignorant…beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing,…” (2 Peter 3:5,8); “Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship,…” (Acts 17:23).
The ”ignorance” that God “winks at,” i.e., “over-looks, passes by, without exacting full penalty for,” is the ignorance of which people are in , but do not have opportunity to know any better. But, when information is at hand and/or given out and people close their eyes and =minds and refuse to receive it, then they become “willingly ignorant.” Today, as in past ages, God will not pass by or overlook WILLFUL IGNORANCE!
Someone has said, “It is an awful or terrible thing to see ignorance in action!” May I point this up a bit? When Galileo, on pain of death, was made to get on his knees and “recant” his findings in research in astronomy, ignorance was in action and that in high places! From the until now, every form of persecution, religious or otherwise, has been “ignorance in action”!
The great length to which some will go in opposition and trying to prevent the light of truth through proper instruction form being given, is a sad commentary on “ignorance in action”! The way some have systemized and glorified ignorance as a thing to which God looks with special favor, hence, a thing to be desired, is a sad commentary on how “ignorance is promoted” instead of being overcome! True, the gospel of the Son of God comes with special appeal to the poor and needy, the ignorant and unlearned! But the design of it is not to settle and satisfy them with and in their poverty and ignorance, but, rather, to SAVE THEM from it! And you can put it down as an irrefutable fact, that whatever does not, promotes the other! Question: WHAT ARE YOU PROMOTING?
- Virgil Lowrance