This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, as I have heard:

"Ignorance, bhikkhus, is the forerunner in the arising of unwholesome qualities, with shamelessness and moral recklessness following behind. Wisdom, bhikkhus, is the forerunner in the arising of wholesome qualities, with a sense of right and wrong and fear of wrongdoing following behind."

The Blessed One spoke on this matter. In this regard, it is said:

"Whatever unfortunate destinies, exist in this world and the next; all are rooted in ignorance, and accumulation of longing and greed.

When one has evil desires, is without shame and disrespectful; They produce unwholesome actions, and as a result, fall into a state of misery.

Therefore, abandoning desire and greed, and dispelling ignorance; A bhikkhu who gives rise to wisdom, will cast off all unfortunate destinies."

This matter too was spoken by the Blessed One, as I have heard.

A related teaching is at SN 45.1 Avijjā Sutta - Ignorance.