Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Jacob gives us the following counsel: "O be wise; what can I say more?" (Jacob 6:12). Near the end of the book, the prophet Moroni advises us, "Be wise in the days of your probation" (Mormon 9:28). The words "wisdom" and "wise" appear exactly 100... Continue Reading →
How Can I Follow the Savior with “Full Purpose of Heart?”
Nephi tells us near the end of his writings that we can receive the Holy Ghost by following the Son "with full purpose of heart." He goes on to clarify his meaning: "acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent" (2 Nephi 31:13). In subsequent passages, Jacob and Limhi use the... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Diligence?
Today, I studied all 56 passages in the Book of Mormon which use some form of the word "diligent." To be diligent is to "[show] care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties" (Oxford English Dictionary). The word also carries a connotation of eagerness. It comes from the Latin word diligere, which means to "esteem,"... Continue Reading →
What Should I Do When I Feel Guilty?
Today, I spent some time looking at the passages in the Book of Mormon that talk about guilt. Here is what I learned: There is a human tendency to suppress feelings of guilt. We know intuitively when we have done something wrong, but because feelings of guilt are unpleasant, we often ignore or deny them... Continue Reading →
What Is the Plan of Redemption?
The word "plan" doesn't appear in the King James Version of the Bible. But it appears 51 times in the Book of Mormon. Book of Mormon prophets, particularly Jacob and Alma, teach clearly that God created a plan for us, and that by following His plan, we can overcome every challenge we face and achieve... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About the Resurrection?
Today, I reviewed all 35 passages in the Book of Mormon which use the word "resurrection." Here are some of the principles I saw: Because of the fall of Adam and Eve, we will all die (2 Nephi 9:6). There is no way for us to overcome the consequences of this without divine intervention (2... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Be Sober?
Throughout the Book of Mormon, people who are responsible, disciplined, and serious are referred to as "sober." Nephi and Jacob both tell us that they taught the gospel with soberness (1 Nephi 18:10, Jacob 6:5). Jacob explains that God expected him to "magnify [his] office with soberness" (Jacob 2:2). King Benjamin urged his people to... Continue Reading →
O Be Wise, What Can I Say More? – Jacob 6:12
12 O be wise; what can I say more? (Jacob 6:12) At the end of a five-chapter sermon, Jacob gives his people this succinct and practical advice: be wise. We generally know what is right and what is wrong. We might build layers and layers of justifications, distractions, and rationalizations, but if we can peel... Continue Reading →
O Be Wise – Jacob 6:12
12 O be wise; what can I say more?(Jacob 6:12)It is striking to me that Jacob gives us this three-word sermon at the end of 5 chapters of his preaching, including calling his people to repent of specific sins. In saying these words--"O be wise, what can I say more?"-- he clearly didn't mean to... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 