Understanding the Risks of Ignoring God’s Wisdom
Have you ever tried assembling something complicated—like a bookshelf or a barbecue grill—without bothering to look at the instructions? Maybe you start feeling confident, thinking you can figure it out as you go. But then, a few steps in, you realize something doesn’t fit. Pieces are left over. The finished product is wobbly, or worse, it falls apart as soon as you try to use it. Most of us have been there! The truth is, when we ignore instructions, we set ourselves up for confusion and frustration.
Life can feel a lot like that, too. We’re surrounded by choices, challenges, and big questions. What’s right? What’s wrong? What’s the best way forward when things get tough? That’s where the Bible—the “instruction manual” for life—comes in. It offers us wisdom and a way to navigate our days with meaning, strength, and peace. But what happens if we ignore the Bible’s guidance, or just skim over it without really understanding? The risks are real, and the Bible itself warns us about them.
Missing the Point: What Jesus Said in Matthew 22:29
One day, a group called the Sadducees came to Jesus with a tricky question about what happens after we die. The Sadducees were religious leaders. They didn’t believe in the resurrection. They also disagreed with much of what the other Jewish groups taught. They were smart, educated, and confident, but they missed the bigger picture. When they tried to trap Jesus with their question, he replied, “You are mistaken. You do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29)
Jesus didn’t say they were wrong because they weren’t clever enough or because they hadn’t tried hard. He said their mistake came from not truly knowing the Scriptures—the foundational teachings God had already given. In other words, their confusion came from not understanding the instruction manual. They focused on a small part of what God had said and ignored the rest. That left them confused, and unable to grasp the amazing things God was capable of doing.
This story is a reminder that we, too, can get off track. This happens if we only listen to bits and pieces of the Bible. It also occurs if we skip over the tough parts. God’s message is bigger and brighter than we first imagine. But, we need to put in some work to discover it fully.
Consequences of Not Knowing the Bible
So why does knowing Scripture matter so much? The Bible isn’t just an old book with rules and stories. It’s a living message meant to guide us. It helps us thrive and brings us closer to God. When we ignore it or misunderstand it, we risk missing out on everything God has for us.
- Spiritual Stagnation: If we don’t keep learning and growing in God’s word, our faith can become stale. We get “stuck,” just going through the motions instead of experiencing a vibrant, living relationship with God.
- False Teachings: Without a strong foundation, it’s easy to get swept up by ideas that sound good but aren’t true. Not every message we hear—online, on TV, or from friends—lines up with what God actually says.
- Losing the Power of God’s Word: The Bible has the power to encourage, challenge, and transform us. But that only happens if we actually spend time reading it, thinking about it, and letting it shape our lives.
Hosea 4:6: The Danger of Ignoring God’s Knowledge
Way back in the Old Testament, God sent warnings through His prophets. One of the strongest comes from Hosea 4:6: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. You have rejected knowledge. Therefore, I also reject you as my priests…” God was speaking. It was a time when people had turned away from His guidance. They thought they could manage on their own, but things fell apart. Their families, communities, and even their nation suffered.
This wasn’t just about one person making a mistake. It showed that when leaders neglect God’s wisdom, everyone loses out. But it also applies to all of us. If we brush aside God’s teachings, we risk hurting ourselves. We also risk hurting those around us. The effects can ripple through families and generations. Ignoring God doesn’t just lead to personal disappointment; it can set entire communities on the wrong path.
The Responsibility of Leaders—and All of Us
In Hosea’s time, the priests were supposed to know God’s word and teach it faithfully. When they failed, everyone suffered. Today, pastors, teachers, parents, and anyone who influences others has the same responsibility. They must seek wisdom. They should also share it with love. But it doesn’t stop with leaders. Each of us has a chance to know God better by opening the Bible, asking questions, and learning together.
Passing down God’s wisdom isn’t just for church or formal settings. It starts in everyday conversations, at the dinner table, during a walk, or driving to school. As scripture becomes more integrated into our lives, sharing its truths with others feels more natural. This is especially true for sharing with the next generation.
How Can We Grow in Knowing Scripture?
The good news? Understanding the Bible isn’t just for scholars or “super Christians.” It’s for everyone—no matter your background or experience. If you’re willing to take small steps, you’ll find that God meets you where you are and helps you grow.
- Read Regularly: Even a few minutes a day can make a difference. Choose a short passage, think about what it means, and ask God to help you learn.
- Ask for Help: Don’t be embarrassed if something is confusing. Talk to a pastor, teacher, or friend. There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to learning about God.
- Pray for Understanding: God wants us to “get it.” Ask Him to open your mind and heart to what the Bible is saying. Reflect on how it matters to your life right now.
- Live It Out: Put God’s wisdom into action in small ways—being kind, forgiving, honest, or helping someone in need. As you practice what you learn, you’ll see real change in yourself and those around you.
Conclusion: Wisdom for Today and Tomorrow
Ignoring the Bible’s teachings isn’t just a personal issue—it has consequences for our families, churches, and communities. Matthew 22:29 and Hosea 4:6 remind us how important it is to know, understand, and live out God’s wisdom. The risks of ignoring or misunderstanding scripture are real: confusion, missed opportunities, and even pain that can last for generations.
But the invitation is simple and open to all of us. By making the effort to read the Bible’s teachings, we honor God. Learning and applying those teachings helps us build a stronger foundation for ourselves and the people we care about. Don’t let God’s instruction manual collect dust on the shelf. Open it and use it. Let it shape every part of your life. You might be surprised at how much stronger, wiser, and more joyful your journey becomes.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 