Scripture Study Quotes

From an old Institute Handout entitled "Promises of the Living Prophets"

Harold B. Lee:

Are you brethren continually increasing your testimony by diligent study of the scriptures? Do you have a daily habit of reading the scriptures? If we're not reading the scriptures daily, our testimonies are growing thinner, our spirituality isn't increasing in depth. We, ourselves, must be studying the scriptures and have a daily habit. (Regional Representatives' Seminar, Dec 12, 1970, p. 10)

Bruce R. McConkie:

I think that people who study the scriptures get a dimension to their life that nobody else gets and that can't be gained in any way except by studying the scriptures. There's an increas in faith and a desire to do what's right and a feeling of inspiration and understanding that comes to people who study the gospel--meaning particularly the standard works--and who ponder the principles, that can't come in any other way. (Church News, 24 Jan 1976, p. 4)

By regular systematic study of the standard works we can go a long way toward keeping in a course that will please the Lord and further our own eternal progression. In this way we can gain for ourselves peace and satisfaction and happiness in this life and have a hope of eternal life in the world to come. (CR October 1959, p. 51)

Spencer W. Kimball:

All through the scriptures every weakness and strength of man has been portrayed, and rewards and punishments have been recorded. One would surely be blind who could not learn to live life properly by such reading. (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 133)

The years have taught me that if we will energetically pursue this worthy personal goal of scripture study in a determined and conscientious manner, we shall indeed find answers to our problems and peace in our hearts. We shall experience the Holy Ghost broadening our understanding, find new insights, witness an unfolding pattern of all scripture; and the doctrines of the Lord shall come to have more meaning to us than we ever thought possible. As a consequence, we shall have greater wisdom with which to guide ourselves and our families, so that we may serve as a light and source of strength to our nonmember friends with whom we have an obligation to share the gospel. (id., p. 135)

I find that when I get casual in my relationship with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away, if I immerse myself int eh scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns. I find myself loving more intensely those whom I must love with all my heart and mind and strength, and loving them more, I find it easier to abide their counsel. (id.)

George Q. Cannon:

I have noticed. . . that where the people of God pay attention to the written word, and cherish and observe the written word, they are always better prepared to hear the oral instructions of the servants of God. . . [T]hey have greater interest in seeking to obtain instructions, than they have when they are careless about the written word of God. (CR, Oct. 1897, p. 38)