IGNORANCE

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 13, 1900

The grossest ignorance is always to be found where Satan has the strongest hold—not ignorance in book knowledge alone. One may have passed through college, and have received a diploma with highest honors, or may even be a learned professor, and yet be very ignorant,—ignorant concerning the wisdom and knowledge contained in God’s word, ignorant concerning simple rules of health, or ignorant concerning the principles of true manhood and womanhood—three most important subjects for study.

It is written in the word of God, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim. 2:15. Study the word of God. It says much concerning wisdom and knowledge. “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; . . . then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” Prov. 2:1–6.

God commands us to “get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not.” Prov. 4:5. He says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. . . . Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” “Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies: and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.”

How can the people of God disobey these commands, which come directly from him? Surely, it is a disgrace to God’s cause for his followers to be ignorant men and women; for it is not necessary, and there is little excuse for it. Even if you must labor ten hours a day, or if you are a wife and mother with home and children to care for, you may study.

First, study to care for your health. If your system is in a healthy condition, your mind will be more vigorous, and you will feel more like studying.

Study to be polite and courteous at home and abroad. This is a Christian duty. It is following Christ’s example. “Study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands.” 1 Thess. 4:11.

Study personal appearance. It is not sin for a woman to see that her skirt hangs perfectly; that her shoes look neat; that her hat is becoming; that no buttons are off her clothing, and no holes in her gloves; that no dust is on her dress, cloak, or hat; and that her hair is always neatly combed: or for a man to see that his clothing is neat, dustless, and becoming. Neither is it sin to study to be gentle, graceful, and interesting. This does not have reference to the kind of pride God hates, nor does it mean foolish adornment of one’s person, nor an extravagant outlay for dress. One may look well and appear well in a calico dress or in homespun trousers. Christianity does not dwell nor associate with slovenliness and slothfulness. Heb. 6:12; Rom. 12:11; Prov. 18:9; 24:30–34.

Study English language, that you may converse well, and be able to tell of Jesus in words that will not sound like the language of a land without books.

Study penmanship and composition, that you may be able to write bright, interesting letters to friend or stranger, and thereby glorify God.

There are many persons who, although having an abundance of leisure, never think of studying anything at all, unless it be some new pattern for lace work, quilt-blocks, or “new dishes for tea.” Is this doing as God has told his children to do? He is even more particular concerning our education than earthly parents are concerning the education of their children. Every child of God should be educated; all should be intelligent missionaries in their own neighborhoods or abroad. Ignorance, in a greater or less degree, is connected with all false religion. The two are inseparable.

At family worship each morning, perhaps a chapter from the Bible is read, and an hour afterward not one of the family is able to tell which chapter was read; but if one or more verses are learned, each child old enough to talk taking part, then all will be filled with the word of God, and prepared for the last days, when our Bibles will be taken from us. Study your verse during the day, even while at your work. By an occasional glance into the Bible, you may learn several verses during the day, or perhaps a whole chapter.

Do not be like the disciples, unable to keep awake with Jesus; but, just for Jesus’ sake, make it a rule to keep awake evenings, or, better, rise early every morning and study. If you must sew or iron, lay an open book on your worktable, that you may study while you work; and while doing work that does not permit such use of the book, think over what you have studied; even while walking on the street you may think about the lesson you are studying. Study perseveringly for six months, and you will be astonished at the amount of wisdom and knowledge you have gained.

It will not be a difficult task to study and learn, for it is God’s will that you should do so; and he says he will give you knowledge, wisdom, and understanding if you seek after them. All you have to do is to begin the seeking, and pray for his help, and you will learn many things each day. And it will be a great pleasure to know you are studying and learning to glorify God.

Of course Satan will do all he can to keep you from studying, and he will try hard to make you forget what you have learned; for he prefers to have you without wisdom and knowledge: but your Father is the stronger. Pray to him for time to study and for memory. He will help you to remember. If it had not been possible for God’s children to study and get wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, he would never have commanded them to do so; for he is a wise Father, and does not require anything from his children that can not be performed.

Those who are translated will not be an ignorant class. “They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament.” Dan. 12:3. One must have wisdom and intelligence to understand the word of God. Therefore, if we would be Christians, we must be wise.

Begin to study to glorify the Lord, and not self. He accepts ignorant persons as his followers, as he did the fishermen and publicans while on this earth; but he expects them to begin seeking wisdom as soon as he has accepted them. The true Christian life is the most progressive life there is.

“My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: so shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul; when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.” Prov. 24:13, 14.