A line from a poem written by Thomas Gray in 1742 stated, “Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise”. If ignorance is bliss then is it foolish to be wise? Is it possible to be wise and in bliss? Can ignorance be foolish? Or is the statement made by Gray a true reflection of the reality of life? If we desire to live our best life understanding the truth or flaw of this statement is useful.

Gray’s lyrical “Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College” was a message to the students of a prestigious, private boarding school in England. The school’s all-male population consisted of pupils aged 13 to 18. Written after Gray’s unhappy childhood, the death of his abusive father and a dear friend, he spoke with melancholy of the suffering and death that comes to mankind, as though he were informing the youth that they were happily deluded to life’s harsh realities.

‘Tis folly to be wise?

Along with wisdom comes the understanding of the end result of our actions. Our responsibilities come to the forefront too. As an ignorant child we generally seek our own needs be met to the exclusion of everyone else. We have little regard for how our actions impact others. We try to circumvent the rules and structure that we fail to appreciate.

Ignorance however is not limited to children. Ignorance simply stated is lack of information or knowledge. No one knows everything, despite the fact that some want you to believe they do! If any person knew everything I suspect there would not be an outdoor stadium large enough to hold the massive dimensions of their accompanying inflated, self-image.

Wisdom allows us to get through those situations we know little about. There is a story found in 1 Kings 3:16-28 which talks about two women that came to King Solomon. Both women claimed to be the mother of the same baby. Both gave birth to a baby boy within days of each other, in the same dwelling with no one else around. One baby died. Both women appeared before Solomon for him to determine the true mother of the surviving infant.

Solomon called for a sword and told the women he would cut the baby in half and each of them would have a part.  The following is recorded in verse 26:

“Please don’t kill my son,” the baby’s mother screamed. “Your Majesty, I love him very much, but give him to her. Just don’t kill him.”

The other woman shouted, “Go ahead and cut him in half. Then neither of us will have the baby.” (Contemporary English Version)

Indeed the bliss of wisdom.

Ignorance Comes Easily

WE are ALL imperfect, indeed subject to ignorance. When left to ourselves without God’s intervention we are self-centered.

We all have areas of gifting, expertise and talents. We all have areas where we are exceptional along with areas of challenge. Those areas of challenge are in part due to a lack of information or knowledge.

In this information age we seem to value the ability to communicate. With social media we are able to transmit and receive information almost instantaneously. How much of that communication is valuable? Does most of the information relate to wisdom or the bliss of ignorance?

One would think that our lives would be enriched by having so many people able to connect with others with such speed. Do you regularly communicate valuable information? Do you share what you know with others and gain from their knowledge as well?

When we are able to love ourselves and others by the use of wisdom we can return to the bliss, because as responsible adults we can recognize that our loving Father in heaven is taking care of our needs. Although we do not know everything, He does.

There are plenty of things that distract us today. We can, and do find ways to revert back to the folly of youth. The more difficult aim is for the bliss of wisdom. When Solomon had a choice to have anything he asked for wisdom.

In the book of Proverbs there are many descriptions about wisdom in chapter 16 verse 16 of the King James Version we read:

“How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!”

Wisdom is actually bliss. Let us seek wisdom from the source of all that is good. Exercise wisdom and be as a child with your Father God.

Take Inventory and Take Action!

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”