Job's friend Bildad shares a number of depressing truths, including the justice of God and our sinful state. Book of Mormon prophets mirror some of his images, including a withering plant and a snare, but follow up with additional hopeful truths: our Redeemer will save us if we choose to repent.
The Unhelpful Wisdom of Eliphaz
Job's friend Eliphaz taught true principles, including the law of the harvest, the impossibility of outsmarting God, and the need to submit to His correction. All true, and all echoed favorably in other scriptural passages. But none were helpful to Job because they were delivered judgmentally instead of empathetically.
Elijah’s Mantle and Prophetic Succession
When Elijah ascended into heaven, he left behind his mantle (cloak). Elisha used it to perform a miracle, and his fellow believers recognized that Elijah's authority now rested on Elisha's shoulders. As Alma later taught his people, we should exercise our agency to learn for ourselves whom God has called to teach and lead us.
Jethro and Mosiah on Collaborative Leadership
Jethro counseled Moses to share the burden of leadership, warning him that he was burning himself out. Mosiah explained the same principle to his people: don't expect the leader to do all the work. The bad news is the leader can't do it all; the good news is they don't have to.
The Trial of Your Faith
Why did Abraham have to wait so long to receive promised blessings? Because the space between promise and fulfillment is where faith lives. During that period of uncertainty, Abraham had the opportunity not only to demonstrate his faith but also to refine it.
The God of Abraham
God chooses to be recognized by His interactions with prior generations. Abraham functions as a template for the covenant life. His descendants understand God through His interactions with Abraham, and they understand their identity as heirs of the blessings and the responsibilities of Abraham.
Multiply and Replenish
God wants His children to marry and raise children. When that is not possible, we can follow the example of Adam and Eve while they were still in the Garden of Eden: multiplying and replenishing the earth by tending the personal gardens in which God has placed us.
Acceptable Offerings
When we serve God diligently, our offering is acceptable even when circumstances prevent us from achieving all we hope for. The Saints in Missouri could not establish Zion, and Alma’s people did not remain free in Helam, yet God accepted their sincere efforts and blessed them for the faithfulness of their hearts.
Becoming and Remaining Pure in Heart
When are hearts are pure, we produce good fruit, we feel God's love, and we become prepared to meet Him. We become more pure by eliminating contaminants like pride and envy and by striving to live in accordance with God's will.
Fearless
Fear can inhibit our reception of light. God emphasized that point twice in Doctrine and Covenants 67. The remedy, as Alma's people learned is to (1) remember God's love for us, (2) intentionally calm our fears, and (3) pray for divine help. Faith in Jesus Christ can help us hush our fears and receive light.