More Gems

Proverbs 11:

12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

to me, these verses are saying we need to watch what we say to others... as well as have discretion in the things we think and do... in other words use wisdom and understanding... love it.

24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that awatereth shall be watered also himself.

I also like the cross reference to vs 24...

Proverbs 13:7
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

So if we give willingly we will always be blessed! Whether with more things or to be satisfied with what we have. I think these verses apply to the law of tithing as well as service. :o)

Proverbs 10:12

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So much truth to this one small verse...

12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

Wisdom

We had a great lesson in Sunday School yesterday. It was over several chapters in Proverbs, which is so packed with bits of wisdom, insight and beauty. I love it. I decided a few days ago to study the scriptures by topic instead of trudging through the chapters in the Book of Mormon that are hard for me to understand. I finished reading the Book of Mormon all the way through earlier this year, so I decided its time for me to study in a different way. :)

Todays topic is wisdom. Proverbs 8 and 9 are all about wisdom and how it is more precious than gold and silver. I love how these chapters are written as though wisdom herself is speaking...

8: 22 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

how beautiful, huh? As if wisdom is not merely something vague for us to acquire, but a constant companion to inspire and enrich, always available like the Spirit of the Lord. I know when I gain pure knowledge through the spirit, I definitely feel enlightened and grateful for that small treasure to add to the rest of my treasures I have received from Him. Because I can always access that wisdom, it does sorta feel like a friend of mine. Many priesthood blessings I have had talk about great treasures of wisdom and knowledge that will be mine if I will just seek. That has always intrigued me and helped me to realize the blessings of not only the scriptures but the Ensign, conference talks, and other great words from wise men and women. I always feel such an excitement to read about new experiences and ideas, like its Christmas and I have just been given a wonderful gift. :) I thank the Lord today for treasures of wisdom that have helped me be a better mother, wife, daughter, and friend. I hope to continue to grow each and every day. :)

My favorite Book

Even though I haven't posted in a long time, I really have been reading the Book of Mormon. I actually just finished. :) Well, sort of. I started in Alma this last time and I just finished Mosiah so I'm starting in Alma again. I love Alma... definitely my favorite book.

I also thought I would add an illustration to spice things up a bit. What do you think about this interpretation of Nehor by James E Fullmer?

Some of the things I liked about Alma 1...

The shock of Gideon dying. When Nehor "smote" him with the sword, he died because he was so old. He really must have been pretty old... I mean, this was like 54 years after he had been King Limhi's advisor. He had helped King Limhi figure out that the Lamanite daughters that had been captured weren't captured by Limhi's people, but by the wicked priests of King Noah. You know, wicked King Noah, Limhi's father, who had escaped with King Noah and then killed him. Nehor must have been at least in his 20's or 30's to be an advisor to the king, and if so he would have been in his late 70's even up to 90 years old when he stood up to Nehor. What a stalwart warrior. Especially since Nehor was a "a man who was large, and was noted for his much strength (v 2)." I don't think Gideon much cared... he was a bold witness of truth, even unto death.

I also loved how Alma observed that "there were many who loved the vain things of the world (v 16)," these being the people who perpetuated Nehor's legacy of false teachings, for the sake of money and being "popular." In contrast, here is what he says about the saints:

25 Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.

26 And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength.

27 And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely.

28 And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions.

I love how they "bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them." Note the term heaped... not just, oh they were given trials and they got through them... no, they were heaped upon them (heap- to give, assign, or bestow in great quantity; to load, supply, or fill abundantly). They didn't get angry and fight back (well most of them anyway), they didn't complain to the Lord or their good friends, they didn't stay at home and cry and feel sorry for themselves. They were patient. They still worked hard. They imparted their substance to the needy... they had compassion. And then, the results:

29 And now, because of the steadiness of the church they began to be exceedingly rich, having abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in need—an abundance of flocks and herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also abundance of grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things, and abundance of silk and fine-twined linen, and all manner of good homely cloth.

They were blessed. Who knows how long they had to bear their burdens before they were blessed, but they were. Not only with earthly riches, but with peace, even continual peace (v 28).