How does Chapter 12 differentiate between the treatment of the 'ignorant' and those with 'dry knowledge'?

Chapter 12 draws a clear distinction in how saints and God interact with different types of individuals. The 'ignorant,' described as those who wallow in the desire for wife, son, and wealth, are treated with great compassion. The text states that God affectionately caresses such innocent ones, and a saint might even devote his life to them. This devotion can lead the ignorant to develop firm faith. In contrast, the text is critical of what it calls the "stiffness of dry knowledge," deeming it fruitless. This suggests that intellectual or theoretical spiritual knowledge without genuine faith and surrender is of little value. As Chapter 12 implies, firm faith is the key that manifests grace, while prideful, detached knowledge can turn one away from God.