God’s people are not destroyed because they do not have opinions, talent, money, or access to information. Many are destroyed because they lack true knowledge, real understanding, and the ability to recognize spiritual deception. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” That verse is a serious reminder that when people do not know God’s truth, or when they reject it, they can become exposed, confused, and unprotected.
In the book of Hosea, the problem was not that truth was unavailable. The problem was that both the leaders and the people had pushed God’s truth aside. The priests were supposed to teach the people and warn them against sin, but instead, they failed in their responsibility. The people also stopped caring about God’s law. They did not hold it close, teach it to their children, or allow it to guide their lives.
That is still a warning for us today. It is dangerous when spiritual leaders become comfortable with sin, and it is dangerous when people no longer want correction. When people encourage each other in wrongdoing, they also share in the consequences. Sin may look small at first, but if it is welcomed and protected in the heart, it can drain spiritual strength over time. That is one reason some people become tired, dull, and cold in their walk with God. Something hidden has been pulling their heart away.
Knowledge is more than knowing facts. True knowledge means knowing what is right, knowing what God says, and knowing how to live wisely. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Proverbs 4:7 reminds us that wisdom is the main thing, and that we should also get understanding. Understanding means we do not just hear God’s Word; we learn how to apply it in everyday life.
Without knowledge and understanding, people can be easily led by emotions, trends, fear, pride, false teaching, and voices that sound good but lead them away from God. Spiritual deception does not always look obvious. Sometimes it comes wrapped in confidence, popularity, religion, or “good advice.” That is why 1 John 4:1 tells us not to believe every spirit, but to test the spirits to see whether they are from God.
Jesus also warned us in Matthew 7:15 to beware of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing. That means not everything that looks harmless is harmless. Not every voice that sounds spiritual is speaking truth. Not every message that makes us feel good is from God. We need discernment. We need prayer. We need the Word of God. We need the Holy Spirit to help us tell the difference between truth and error.
The enemy does not always try to destroy a person all at once. Sometimes he only needs to keep them confused, distracted, offended, misinformed, or spiritually blind. John 8:44 reminds us that the devil is a liar, and 2 Corinthians 11:14 says Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light. When people do not seek truth, they can mistake bondage for freedom, feelings for wisdom, and deception for revelation.
This is a reminder to slow down and ask ourselves honest questions: Do I really know what God says, or am I only repeating what I have heard? Do I understand His Word, or am I being guided by my own emotions and assumptions? Am I growing in truth, or am I being pulled into confusion?
Acts 17:11 speaks of people who searched the Scriptures daily to see if what they heard was true. That is the kind of heart we need today. We should not accept everything just because it sounds deep, popular, or emotional. We should take it back to the Word of God and ask the Lord for wisdom. James 1:5 says that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God, and He gives generously.
Do not just seek information. Seek wisdom. Do not just listen to voices. Test them. Do not just follow the crowd. Follow truth. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says to test all things and hold fast to what is good. John 8:32 says, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
When God’s people lack knowledge and understanding, deception becomes easy. But when we walk in God’s truth, we walk in freedom, clarity, wisdom, and protection. May we be people who love truth, receive correction, seek wisdom, and allow God’s Word to keep our hearts and minds awake.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2026