Ignorance is Bliss?

I don’t know how many times in my life I have heard somewhere from someone, that ignorance is bliss. Touted around as philosophical wisdom that could have been passed down from Socrates or Plato himself. Now, before I elaborate any further I would like to seriously take a moment and evaluate the definition of “bliss” using dictionary.com.

• supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment: wedded bliss.
  

• Theology.
  the joy of heaven.
  

• heaven; paradise: the road to eternal bliss.
  

• Archaic.
  a cause of great joy or happiness.

I don’t know about you, but I felt like somebody took a lie straight outta hell when they said “ignorance is bliss”. Like that phrase is the epitome of “the devil is a liar”. And if you looked it up in the dictionary; “ignorance is bliss” would be the example used.

Psalm 73:22 KJVS

[22] So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

Ignorance is never perceived in the scriptures as being a positive thing. It is always something looked at as a place you do not want to be in. It can even be equated with being foolish. And can align you with being likened unto a beast. Although, on one hand, one may say an animal can have good instincts. The nature of an animal can be impulsive, not only impulsive but untamed and unruly… in essence wild. Lacking a level of awareness of itself and the ability to change course and move in a wiser way.

Leviticus 5:14-18 KJVS

[14] And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, [15] If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the Lord ; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the Lord a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering: [16] And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him. [17] And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the Lord ; though he wist it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity. [18] And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist it not, and it shall be forgiven him.

The Most High understands you will make offenses and sin in ignorance. Howbeit, that does not mean you get off “Scott free.” Nor does it mean to continue in your ignorance. You are still required to change your ways and learn what you need to learn to do better and be better and offend less, and work to sin not. Remember, that ignorance does not mean innocence and that you may still have to pay in some way. And the bill you may have to pay may be significantly more expensive than you bargained for. Being ignorant does not mean you are dumb, you just lack certain information that you may need to know.

In case you never took the time to exam it, look at the root of “ignorance”. You will find “ignore.” The irony of ignorance is that many seem to enjoy temporary pleasure by simply ignoring the problem. You choose to turn a blind eye to something you should consider or address, yet, you would rather not take the time needed (or in wisdom) to fully address or tend to the issue. The deception in it all is this… No matter how long or how often I choose to ignore a problem that does not mean the problem will solve itself, nor does it mean it will repair itself over time. Simply put, you are shooting yourself in the foot all while believing I have time to address it because I took some pain killers so I will prioritize taking a nap instead, all while I bleed out.

Romans 10:1-3 KJVS

[1] Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. [2] For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. [3] For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

The desire is salvation. However, if you are not aware of the knowledge you need to have to do what’s necessary to be worthy of salvation you will receive eternal damnation. Because you did NOT understand the assignment. And rather squandered your time, or rather your life and will have to pay the ultimate price… Eternal suffering. And last I checked, ain’t nothing blissful about the lake of fire.

2 Corinthians 2:11 KJVS

[11] Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

If you choose to be ignorant, you put yourself at a disadvantage. You allow your enemies to get the upper hand based on the information they know and you don’t. It is only through study, conversation and application that you can get what you need to gain and maintain the upper hand. And have the key information you need, to do what you need to do now, to be worthy to enter the kingdom to come.

1 Corinthians 14:38 KJVS

[38] But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

You cannot make anyone do anything, however, you can choose to make the change for yourself, get informed and be the example. If others refuse and choose to disobey or remain in ignorance, they will ultimately die in ignorance.

2 Esdras 9:9-12 9Then shall they be in pitiful case, which now have abused my ways: and they that have cast them away despitefully shall dwell in torments. 10 For such as in their life have received benefits, and have not known me; 11 And they that have loathed my law, while they had yet liberty, and, when as yet place of repentance was open unto them, understood not, but despised it; 12 The same must know it after death by pain.