Medical terminology is not something I studied in school. I have gathered what little I know by osmosis. I have slowly absorbed some of the terms by listening to my family, and from my own medical history.

Years ago, before Nancy and I were married, I was totally ignorant of most operations. I did know the meaning of a tonsillectomy and an appendectomy, but that was it.

One day, I picked up (a Southern phrase for giving someone a ride in your vehicle) my fiancé from her job as a surgical nurse at Kentucky Baptist Hospital. When she got in the car, she said she was tired, having been on her feet all day. “I helped with two hysterectomies,” she said.

“Really, my Dad had that operation one time,” I innocently volunteered my ignorance. “No, your dad did not have that surgery,” she corrected. “I know he did; I stayed with him,” I persisted. After a few words of explanation, I was educated as to the meaning of this particular surgical procedure.

Boy, did I feel stupid. However, as the years have gone by and most of my family has entered the medical profession, I have learned to keep my mouth shut, rather than entering into the conversation. In this way, my ignorance is suspected without my validation.

There is a verse in Proverbs that states, “There is a way which seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Prov. 14:12)

Sometimes we think we are right, when we are dead wrong. Our activities and beliefs must be measured by the word of God. Manifest ignorance is a dangerous thing.