Ignorance Is Expensive

I was just thinking about - - -

Cliches are often used to express a pithy comment about life and culture. There have been several stated in terms of Ignorance and Intellectualism. Among them are the suggestions submitted by The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, namely:

"Not knowing something is often more comfortable than knowing it." This proverb resembles: "What you don't know cannot hurt you." It figures in a passage from On A Distant Prospect of Eton College by the 18th century poet Thomas Gray: "Where ignorance is bliss, 'Tis folly to be wise."

But the question presents itself, Is Ignorance truly Bliss? Is absence of knowledge to be preferred? Is the proverbial "well-rounded education" something to be avoided at all costs?

In our world, there have been tremendous advances in intellectual matters. Since World War II, there seems to be an acceleration in the areas of science and technology. It is becoming more obvious that more attention must be given in the areas of science and mathematics. Avoidance of education and sound basic learning is to our own peril.

When Nebuchadnezzar was expanding the Kingdom of Babylon and Israel (Judah) was the next nation seized for captivity, he had a basic requirement. In Daniel 1:3-4,

Then the king ordered...to bring to the palace some of the young men of Judah's royal family and other noble families, who had been brought to Babylon as captives. Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men...Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good sense, and have the poise needed to serve in the royal palace. Teach these young men the language and literature of the Babylonians.

There are some very interesting Scriptures in wisdom literature regarding the benefit of knowledge. Among them are:

Proverbs 12:23
Wise people don't make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their folly.
Proverbs 19:27
If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you have turned your back on knowledge.
Proverbs 24:5
A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge is more powerful than a strong man.

All of us have heard statements that have brought a smile, such as: "Don't confuse me with the facts." Most have also smiled at the all-too-put-down statements about "dumb blonds".

The words of wisdom in Proverbs 14:6-9 are a sound alert:

A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding. Stay away from fools, for you won't find knowledge there. The wise look ahead to see what is coming, but fools deceive themselves. Fools make a mock of sin, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.

There is no reason why ignorance should continue in our nation. There are considerable institutions and resources available to all who desire to learn. However, there must be a desire and discipline if one is to learn practical and useful wisdom.

There needs to be a lifelong commitment to learning. In learning, one must do it objectively and reflectively. You are not a sponge that should absorb every idea that comes your way. You should take a postulate and examine it in light of other discourse and study on that particular subject before drawing an absolute conclusion. The basic fact is you cannot be lazy and a learner at the same time. Study is work! But the one who is disciplined to study will have an inner-satisfaction and be rewarded accordingly. If the generalization that one uses less than 10% of one's brain, then we have a large capacity (shall we call it a void?) that can be filled with logical conclusions and sound principles for life.

The Apostle Paul challenged the younger Timothy in this area of learning. He stated in 2 Timothy 2:15-17,

Be diligent (study) to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babbling, for it will increase to more ungodliness. And it's message will spread like cancer...

Let this desire to learn be one resolution that is pursued with determination throughout this year.