If a soul (person) sin... though he wist (know) it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity. 

     Captain John Smith (1580-1631), is credited with having given Poison Ivy its common name, in 1624, when he published his book titled "General Historie of Virginia." In his book he described the Poison Ivy plant as such: "The poysoned weed is much in shape like our English Ivy, but being touched causeth redness, itching, and... blisters..." The best way to protect oneself from these discomforts described by John Smith is to be able to recognize the Poison Ivy plant and avoid it. Ignorance of having touched Poison Ivy will not keep you from the inevitable consequences.
     Just as there are consequences for contacting Poison Ivy, there are also consequences for committing sin. One's ignorance of their sin does not free them from the consequences. Ignorance is not always bliss for "the soul that sinneth, it shall die." (Ezek 18:20). Therefore, "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Col 3:16) that you may be able to recognize sin and avoid it and its consequences.