However, sins of infirmity or ignorance are often easier to atone for since they lack premeditation. Paul was transformed through the revelation of essential truths he had previously overlooked, while Peter bolstered his faith, keeping it alive with his tears (Matt. 26:75).
Conversely, some knowingly choose to sin, of whom Christ remarked, "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin” (Jn. 15:22). Further, he noted that their hatred extended to Him and the Father (Jn. 15:24). Failing to do good is one matter; actively opposing the source of goodness is quite another. Reckless sin and intentional sin are also distinct. Sin may arise from impulsivity but can later be rectified upon reflection. Often, an individual may desire to do what is right yet feel powerless to achieve it. However, deliberate sin indicates a rejection of both good and the ability to enact it. Thus, it can sometimes be more grievous to love sin than to commit it, and likewise, to hate the truth is worse than failing to live up to it.
In the Church, there are those who refrain from performing good deeds yet condemn others for the same neglect, harboring animosity for what they themselves fail to do. Their sin does not stem merely from weakness or ignorance but from a deliberate intention: if they truly wished to pursue righteousness, they would at least appreciate it in others. If they desired goodness for themselves, they would not resent its manifestation in others. However, because they scorn their own lives and harshly judge the virtuous characteristics they recognize, it is rightly said, “Who departed from Him, as if on purpose.” Thus, it is concluded that “they shall understand none of His ways” (Job 34:27).
The text does not state that they did not understand due to weakness; rather, it asserts that "they shall not understand." This indicates that individuals often dismiss the knowledge of things they feel too proud to practice. The scripture suggests that a servant unaware of their master's will deserves lesser punishment; however, the servant who is aware and still disobeys incurs much greater consequences (Lk. 12:47-48). They might believe their ignorance exempts them from accountability. Yet, they are blinded by pride, failing to grasp the difference between ignorance and the refusal to learn. Ignorance alone may excuse the unlearned, but refusal to engage is marked by pride. The more knowledge is presented to them, even against their will, the less they can claim genuine ignorance as a defense.
Solomon proclaimed, “Does not wisdom cry out, and does not understanding lift up her voice, standing on the top of high places, over the road, at the turns of the way?” (Prov. 8:1-2). We could, perhaps, traverse this life in ignorance of wisdom if it did not stand at every crossroad. Wisdom is not hidden; it is made evident, especially after the wonders of the Incarnation and the humility of Christ have been revealed to the proud. She positions herself as we navigate the path of life, so that if we choose to ignore her, we may stumble over the very truths we overlook. Let them claim they shall understand none of His ways, for the actions of incarnate Wisdom encompass every deed He undertook. His ways are the routes leading to life, laid out for those who seek Him. He has established numerous pathways for the faithful to follow, demonstrating examples of holy living. The prophet expressed this understanding when he proclaimed, “I will manifest myself in Thy commandments, and I will look to Thy ways” (Ps. 118:15). This is echoed in the lives of the righteous who strive to follow the Lord's example. “A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way” (Ps. 36:23). Those who are arrogant disdain the humility exemplified by the Lord, and thus it is rightly said that they will fail to recognize His ways.
These ways must be expressed outwardly and must be honored in understanding; what is visually perceived is one aspect, while the internal pursuit is another. What do we see in this life but humiliation, derision, scorn, and death? Yet, we traverse through these lowly experiences to reach supreme glory. Through these trials that precede, we are promised eternal and glorious outcomes. Indeed, the proud have been made aware of the Lord's paths but have chosen not to understand them due to their disdain for the outward manifestations of these ways. Thus, they have forfeited the profound assurances offered by them. It is essential to recognize that the paths of the Lord may, at once, endure all that is transient yet also patiently await what is due, following His example to partake in the eternal glory achieved through temporal afflictions. Individuals should focus not on their current sufferings but on the hope of what lies ahead. The proud have chosen blindness because, in their obsession with present glory, they overlook the greatness found in the Lord’s humility.
Humility unveils the light of understanding, whereas pride obscures it. In truth, humility is a hidden blessing of holy living, and the more one is inflated with pride, the less one can embrace it; for pride irrationally drives one beyond oneself.
THEOSIS