“You Have Heard My Voice and Know My Words.”

Many of us have had the experience of receiving an answer when we prayed to know whether the scriptures are really the word of God, just as Moroni promised. (See Moroni 10:4-5.)

Many of us have received a confirmation while reading the scriptures that the words we were reading were true. (See 1 Nephi 1:11-12.)

Oliver Cowdery had a different but related experience. He had the unique privilege of serving as Joseph Smith’s scribe during the translation of the Book of Mormon. In June 1829, when the translation was nearly complete. Joseph Smith received a revelation on Oliver’s behalf. In that revelation, the Lord said:

Behold, I have manifested unto you, by my Spirit in many instances, that the things which you have written are true; wherefore you know that they are true.

And if you know that they are true, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written;

For in them are all things written concerning the foundation of my church, my gospel, and my rock.

Doctrine and Covenants 18:2-4

What a remarkable experience: to write the words spoken by a prophet and receive a spiritual confirmation that the words you are writing are the word of God. No wonder Oliver said, “These were days never to be forgotten—to sit under the sound of a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven, awakened the utmost gratitude of this bosom!” (Joseph Smith—History, footnote, paragraph 1).

Later in the same revelation, the Lord said:

These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man;

For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them;

Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words.

Doctrine and Covenants 18:34-36

We may not have heard an audible voice from heaven, but when the Holy Spirit confirms to our souls that what we have read is true, we can testify that we have indeed heard the voice of God.

Elder Alexander Dushku explained one way you may receive truth from God: “Perhaps you were reading in the Book of Mormon and a verse spoke to your soul, as if God had put it there just for you—and then you realized that He did” (“Pillars and Rays,” General Conference, April 2024).

Today, I will be mindful while I read the word of God. I will pay attention to the impressions which enter my mind and heart as I study. I will remember that when scriptural reading is combined with spiritual confirmation, I have truly heard the voice of God.