My People Perish for Lack of Knowledge

Understanding Hosea 4:6 and the Call to Wisdom

One of the most striking and sobering verses in the Bible is found in Hosea 4:6:

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” — Hosea 4:6 (KJV)

This verse doesn’t just speak about ignorance—it speaks of rejection. God’s people had access to truth but turned away. The result? Destruction. This verse still speaks today. In a world full of information, spiritual wisdom is rare. Let’s explore what this verse means, why knowledge matters to God, and how we can walk in truth.

What Kind of Knowledge Is Hosea Talking About?

The Hebrew word for “knowledge” in Hosea 4:6 is “da’ath,” meaning understanding, insight, or discernment—especially of God and His ways. This isn’t about facts or trivia. It's about knowing God’s truth.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” — Proverbs 1:7

The Israelites had rejected God's law and guidance. They weren’t just uninformed—they chose to ignore what God had already revealed through the prophets and the Law of Moses. The result was spiritual ruin.

“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” — Proverbs 13:13

Rejecting Knowledge Brings Consequences

When people reject God's Word, consequences follow. In Hosea's time, the priests and leaders failed to teach truth, and the people turned to idols.

“Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.” — Hosea 4:1

“Because they have not hearkened to my words, nor to my law, but rejected it.” — Jeremiah 6:19

God warned that destruction would come—not just from invading armies, but from spiritual blindness. The same happens today when people ignore God's Word.

Knowledge Must Lead to Obedience

Knowing about God is not the same as knowing Him. Many today have heard Bible stories or gone to church—but do they walk with God? Hosea’s warning is that knowing the truth but not living it is dangerous.

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” — James 1:22

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 7:21

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — John 8:32

God's People Are Called to Seek Wisdom

The Bible tells us that God wants us to know Him. He never hides from those who seek Him.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” — James 1:5

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” — Jeremiah 29:13

“For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” — Proverbs 2:6

“Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.” — Psalm 119:24

We Are Responsible for What We Know

Today, we have more access to God’s Word than any generation before. Bibles are everywhere—online, in apps, in bookstores. Churches stream services. Sermons are just a click away. Yet spiritual ignorance is still widespread. Why? Because knowledge must be received. It must be used.

“That servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.” — Luke 12:47

“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required...” — Luke 12:48

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” — James 4:17

How to Grow in God’s Knowledge

Here are practical ways to gain the kind of knowledge God wants:

• Read the Bible daily. Start with Proverbs or the Gospels.
• Pray for understanding. Ask God to open your heart.
• Study with others. Join a Bible study group.
• Listen to godly teachers. Make sure they use the Bible as their foundation.
• Obey what you learn. Even one step of obedience leads to more light.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — Psalm 119:105

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” — Psalm 119:18

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” — 1 Peter 2:2

A Word to the Church Today

Hosea 4:6 is not just about Israel—it’s a warning to every generation. When churches stop preaching God’s Word clearly, people perish. When leaders replace Scripture with opinion, culture wins and truth fades.

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” — 2 Timothy 4:2

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” — John 17:17

God Still Wants His People to Know Him

Hosea’s message ends not just with judgment, but with hope. God wanted His people to return. And He wants the same today.

“Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.” — Hosea 6:1

“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning...” — Hosea 6:3

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom...” — Colossians 3:16

Summary Table: Hosea 4:6 and Our Response