Lessons about diligence from Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Book of Mormon: 1. Slothfulness leads to poverty. 2. Negligence is not neutral: Things tend to decay without proper care. 3. Do things in their proper time. 4. Diligence invites responsibility.
Psalms 51-60
51. A Broken and a Contrite Heart 52. A Green Olive Tree 53. None That Doeth Good 54. Mine Helper 55. Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord 56. I Will Not Fear 57. In the Shadow of Thy Wings 58. Break Their Teeth 59. Slay Them Not 60. Thou Hast Given a Banner
Psalms 21-30
21. The King Trusteth in the Lord 22. Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me? 23. The Lord Is My Shepherd 24. Who Shall Ascend? 25. Teach Me Thy Paths 26. Examine Me 27. The Lord Is My Light 28. My Strength and My Shield 29. The Voice of the Lord 30. Joy Cometh in the Morning
Wars Continually
After the division of Solomon's kingdom into Israel and Judah, there were wars between the two new kingdoms continually. Nephi tells us the same: he and his people had wars with his brothers and their families even after separating from them. Rifts become perpetual battles when the desire to dominate prevails.
Will God Indeed Dwell on the Earth?
Solomon asked the searching question at the dedication of the temple, "Will God indeed dwell on earth?" The Book of Mormon provides a definitive answer when the resurrected Savior Jesus Christ visits a group of believers gathered at the temple in the land of Bountiful.
I Command You … That Ye Have No King
When Mosiah abolished the monarchy, he cited two principles the Lord had referenced in conjunction with kings in the Old Testament: equality and self-government. The Lord's opposition to monarchy is implicit but not clearly stated in the Old Testament. The Book of Mormon makes that opposition much more clear.
Ruth’s Pledge
Ruth's pledge to Naomi has parallels in the Book of Mormon. Like Nephi, she swears an oath referencing both God and her own life. Like Alma's people, she accepts a new relationship with God and with a covenant community. Like King Benjamin's people, she commits to it for the rest of her life.
“They Shall Be Upon Aaron’s Heart”
Priests in ancient Israel were teachers with accountability for the spiritual welfare of their people. Their vestments and ordinances were intended to help the people become holy. As Jacob and Alma explained in the Book of Mormon, priesthood is ultimately a call to purity through Christ.
Bezaleel
Moses selected a man named Bezaleel to lead the work of building the tabernacle. He executed the vision Moses had received, restraining the donations and overseeing the work of skilled craftsmen. When the work was done, Moses saw that it had been completed exactly as the Lord had specified.
Two Coats: Obedience, Loss, and New Beginnings in the Life of Joseph
Joseph lost both his outer garment and his freedom twice. His brothers stripped him of his coat and sold him into slavery. Potiphar's wife used his outer garment to falsely accuse him. But he remained faithful through both trials. Don't let repeated setbacks shake your faith.