Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 10
In the Mexico discussion, Chester says “ignorance is bliss” became a guiding concept and cites Proverbs 1: God warns, people refuse wisdom, then “God says, ‘and I’m going to laugh at you.’” What does this teaching suggest about God’s character toward willful ignorance, and what specific “wisdom-getting” choices (education, language learning, reading, teaching standards, openness to counsel) would repentance look like for communities tempted to equate simplicity with not knowing?
Another way to ask: What does Proverbs 1 suggest God is like when people choose to stay ignorant, and what practical steps toward wisdom (learning, reading, education, listening to counsel) would real repentance look like for a community that treats “simplicity” as not knowing?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s use of Proverbs 1, God is not gentle toward willful refusal of wisdom: if people reject repeated warning, God may judge them by letting consequences come and not treating their later cries as sincere. Repentance would look like actively pursuing wisdom through better schooling, reading, and receiving help.
- He says the old colony situation in Mexico became “an awful situation spiritually,” and ties it to a belief that “ignorance is bliss. The less you know, the better.”
- He contrasts this with Proverbs 1: “get wisdom, get understanding, get knowledge,” and warns refusal leads to trouble.
- He paraphrases God’s response: when people pray in trouble, “I’m going to laugh at you because I’ve already told you what to do, and you didn’t do it.”
- He interprets their condition bluntly: “God’s already laughing at these people in Mexico,” showing seriousness about willful ignorance.
- He points to repentance-like steps already happening: a “miracle going on” where schools accept “Christian Light Publications,” and people pursue “wisdom,” reversing the ignorance trend.
- He says they accepted “old-order Amish and old-order Mennonite teachers into their schools,” implying humility and openness to counsel and higher teaching standards.