Jeremiah 4:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The leaders of my people lack knowledge of me. It is a serious indictment when those designated to instruct others fail to possess understanding themselves. After the prophet declares, "How long shall I see those who flee," God responds: "Forasmuch as the leaders of my people know me not." This lack of awareness results from their own depravity, as in times past, a single individual could send away thousands. Remember also the events in Egypt; He refers to the multitude that is fleeing and proclaims before God, "Forasmuch as the leaders of my people know me not." The sons of Boii display foolishness.

My people, who lack understanding, have failed to acknowledge Me; they are unwise and foolish children. They possess skill in committing evil, yet have not grasped how to do good. The source of calamity, devastation, flight, and alarm stems from the people's folly—an inclination born not of nature but of willful striving. This foolishness arises from their ignorance of God; instead of being wise sons, they have become sons lacking discernment. What greater folly is there than this: the ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master's feeding trough, yet Israel does not recognize the Lord, disregarding Him despite His perpetual desire for them to see Him?

The rulers of My people do not recognize Me; they are akin to the sons of Boii, and they act foolishly. To ensure that no one mistakenly considers them deserving of justification for their ignorance, He promptly adds: They possess wisdom in committing wrongdoing, yet they lack understanding of what is right. Most troubling of all is their failure to exercise discernment, similar to those who are inebriated and harm others with their weapons.

In essence, those who exist merely through their earthly lineage, grounded in the flesh and soul, without being born anew through the Spirit of God, only comprehend and engage with worldly matters. Consequently, if they defend and validate earthly pursuits, such actions merely reflect their worldly nature and do not attest to the inherent value of those deeds themselves. Individuals who possess wisdom in worldly affairs can convincingly justify even immoral actions that they cherish and resist relinquishing. In contrast, the genuine good, which they do not pursue despite being close and attainable, remains beyond their understanding and experience. They lack conviction in this good because they have not made the effort to develop an appreciation for it.