Dear Brethren, Solomon compiled the book of Proverbs using advice and pithy sayings to help his readers overcome their naïveté and ignorance, “To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion” (Proverbs 1:4). He knew that “a wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel” (v. 5). We all lack understanding in various areas (ignorance) and we are simple (naïve) about others. But we are never too old to learn.
Ignorance is merely a lack of understanding on a specific subject. I’m ignorant, for example, regarding computer programming. That is just for starters, as there are a thousand—yes, ten thousand—subjects on which I have no knowledge. You are ignorant in some areas, too—if you are honest with yourself.
On the other hand, to be naïve—simple—carries the sense of being unable to handle everyday problems that face us. It matters little if you cannot program a computer, as there are many others who can do so and there are many other careers available to you. However, to be naïve regarding online scammers in our current environment is quite a different matter. Solomon’s instructions cover practical matters such as not becoming surety for a friend, and they also focus much attention on moral behavior.
A servant of God need not understand Hebrew or Greek, as there are translations of Scripture available in hundreds of languages. Yet even most scholars who have translated Scripture do not understand God’s master plan or His prophetic framework—because they fail to obey the words they’ve translated. “And none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand” (Daniel 12:10). “But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2). God only gives His Spirit of understanding “to those who obey Him” (Acts 5:32; John 16:13). And, of course, there is also the fundamental matter of God’s calling (John 6:44, 65).
Ignorance is not normally a sin, in and of itself. Yet it can be a serious problem. The Apostle Paul explains that Israel’s salvation is delayed due to ignorance (Romans 10:3). Paul also pleads with the Gentiles to understand “that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in” (Romans 11:25). Happily, most of you reading this message are no longer in the blindness of ignorance, as you observe Pentecost and the Last Great Day and understand what they picture.
But even those who understand much may be ignorant of one subject that is vital for all of God’s servants to understand: Satan’s devices! Paul urged vigilance, while cautioning the Corinthians not to be unforgiving, “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11). Paul’s exhortations here involve two of Satan’s devices in particular: An unforgiving heart is deadly to the one failing to forgive (Matthew 6:14–15), and such hardness of heart may cause depression and despair in the one who should receive forgiveness.
It may be easy to shrug this off, thinking, I know this. But are we sometimes ignorant, naïve, or in denial about some of Satan’s most obvious and deadly devices that are rampant in the course of this present evil world (Ephesians 2:1–2)?
Some years ago, I received a call from a Church member who was upset about something she had heard about a member living three or four states away. She had heard that the Church approved of this member violating one of God’s commands. I explained that I knew nothing of the matter, that she was probably not hearing the whole story, and that she should not let someone else’s problem become hers: “He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears” (Proverbs 26:17).
My advice appeared to help for a short time, but she could not leave the matter alone—and eventually left the Church over it. I learned later that she had, indeed, not been aware of all the facts. What is saddest is that this woman was ignorant of the facts and naïve about how easily she could stumble because of one of Satan’s most obvious devices: deceptive rumors. We might even call them “lying rumors,” because that is what many are.
Why do so many fall for that Satanic device? The answer is multifaceted. It is human nature to think the worst, yet God tells us we are to believe and hope for the best (1 Corinthians 13:5–7). Most rumors contain “grains of truth” that make them seem believable. Indeed, a rumor may be 95 percent accurate—but the other five percent can make all the difference in the world. With that small bit of error, or without proper context, a simple report becomes a distortion of the truth— in fact, a lie. And whose spirit do we know is behind partial truths and twisted facts?
Scripture gives us many warnings about Satan’s devices. He is a liar, an accuser, and a divider of brethren. Jesus tells us the devil is a murderer and the father of lies (John 8:44). We are told that he accuses Christ’s servants before God day and night (Revelation 12:10). He is also behind that which God hates: “A false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:16, 19). Lies, accusations, division—these stem from the character of this evil being who is called Abaddon, meaning destroyer (Revelation 9:11).
Where is this great destroyer working? How is he working? And what does his success look like? If we look around the world, we see that the United States is no longer united, nor is the United Kingdom. The European Union struggles to maintain its union. Citizens in Central and South America are striving against government corruption. Satan’s fingerprints are all over the year 2020, as we see coronavirus controversies of every kind, conspiracy theories abounding, anarchy in the streets, violent crime, politics and lies, disrespect for constituted authority, nations in turmoil—in short, division at every turn. People are sharply divided in a binary world with no middle ground. One is increasingly judged as either all good or all evil, with no place in between.
We may recognize Satan’s fingerprints in the world, but do we see how his influence rubs off on us in God’s Church? Have we chosen sides with the world? Are we taking up guns to protect ourselves? Are we attacking others on social media? Are we spreading unfounded rumors because they fit whatever narrative we favor?
We are in a war, but not a conventional war. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:3–6).
When we see attitudes and behaviors contrary to those of the Spirit of God, we should recognize the source behind them. What is the fruit of human government? Is it not political squabbling—accusations, put-downs, lies, and hypocrisy? What are the results of the many conspiracy theories abounding today? Do they not cause confusion? Rumors and innuendo destroy reputations and cause distrust. None of this is of God’s Spirit! Satan delights in stirring up hatred. We must always resist this with God’s love.
An ambassador has knowledge and opinions about the country in which he resides, but he must separate his personal opinions from his emotions and not take part in that country’s politics. And so must we—because we are ambassadors of a far greater kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20).
