Learning from King Benjamin (But Not His Speech)
Parents Lifting Their Child So He Can Get Fruit from a Tree
Learn From What King Benjamin Taught His Kids
In reading the Book of Mormon, so many of us get to the Book of Mosiah and look forward to King Benjamin’s speech; it goes on for multiple chapters, is filled with gospel truths and the love of Christ, and is quoted so often by so many that it just feels comfortable. So, this time around, I want to learn from something outside of the most famous speech in the Book Of Mormon.
Reading it this time, my thoughts went to what he taught his three sons (and I assume possibly other children not mentioned) at the very beginning of the first chapter. When I read
“And it came to pass that he had three sons; and he called their names Mosiah, and Helorum, and Helaman. And he caused that they should be taught in all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might become men of understanding; and that they might know concerning the prophecies which had been spoken by the mouths of their fathers, which were delivered them by the hand of the Lord.
And he also taught them concerning the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, saying: My sons, I would that ye should remember that were it not for these plates, which contain these records and these commandments, we must have suffered in ignorance, even at this present time, not knowing the mysteries of God.
And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to the promises which the Lord made unto our fathers.”
Mosiah 1:2-3, 7
We can learn many things from what King Benjamin taught his three sons. As we personally connect these verses to ourselves, it becomes a journey of self-discovery and growth. Here’s a list of the things we should develop in ourselves or learn.
It says they were taught in all the “language of their fathers.” We should understand our language well and the language we learn in the scriptures. We should be well-read and well-educated. If we have the opportunity to learn other languages, we should probably take that opportunity and be able to communicate with more people.
We should become “men of understanding” or, more appropriately, people of understanding.
We should understand the prophecies that have come before us and the prophecies from our modern prophets and church leaders.
We should know, understand, and regularly read the Scriptures.
We should know that the Scriptures contain the records of the past and God's commandments.
We should understand that the Scriptures keep us from suffering in ignorance, help us better understand the world, and help us find peace through the spirit of the Lord.
We learn the mysteries of God through the Scriptures.
Three Steps to Increase Conversion Through Scripture Study
In April of 2022, Mark L. Pace gave some advice to help apply what we learned from King Benjamin and his children. He gave three steps to increase your personal conversion and faith through Scripture study:
Be consistent in your Scripture study, ideally on a daily basis. Remember, your interaction with the scriptures should be a personal experience, not just a regurgitation of others' interpretations. This can only be achieved by immersing yourself in the scriptures daily.
Ask yourself, at least weekly, “What does the Holy Ghost want me to learn from my recent reading?” Ponder this. Review what you have recently read, and sit quietly and listen.
Write it down. It does not need to be formal or pretty. Just write what you have learned in your own words. This will help you remember it and send it deeper into your heart.
More Scriptures Bring Many Blessings
King Benjamin taught his children to search the scriptures so that they could “profit thereby.” He ties this to the promise of "prospering in the land" as they live righteously. While not everyone who lives righteously will be wealthy, they will prosper. That is what the promise tells us. I like the connection to the word “profit thereby” and how it connects to the concept of prospering in the land. That promise does mean that we can be successful in our endeavors, but I believe that the more critical part of that promise is that we will gain peace, understanding, and eternal life.
We should diligently search the Scriptures and ponder what we find or what helps us turn our hearts to the Lord. As we turn our hearts to the Lord, we will better understand the scriptures we read and search. The Scriptures are not just a source of knowledge, but a pathway to personal revelation. They empower us to learn the ways of the Lord and become more like him.
Bonnie H Cordon, in April 2017, told a story about her grandson who wanted to escape bedtime by reading more scriptures. She was more than happy to indulge him and explained what “more scriptures“ brings her grandson and, by extension, brings us. She said, “More scriptures enlighten our minds, nourish our spirits, answer our questions, increase our trust in the Lord, and help us center our lives on Him.” Remember to search them diligently, that ye may “profit thereby.”
Speaking of the Promise To “Prosper in the Land”
I’m struck by the personal nature of the Lord's promises with this concept. The closer I look at it, it is not a broad general promise but one specifically for all of us, just as it was for Nephi. If we look back to Lehi and Nephi, where we first hear of this promise, we can see how personal it really is.
“And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands.”
1 Nephi 2:20
He says, "Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments . . . ye shall prosper." Nephi is told the land has been prepared for "you." The Lord also adds that the land is a choice above all others and a land of promise, but the promises are all very personal.
To take Nephi's advice and liken this scripture to me, the Lord also has ways and a place for me to prosper if I keep the commandments. He does for all of us, no matter where we reside or what part of the world we live in. Looking at the citation index listing all the times that General Authorities quoted this verse, it has been used 45+ times in major talks or addresses. Most of them had to do with the country of America, American patriotism, or the land of North and South America and its prosperity. Many uses had to do with the evils of communism or large government. The quotes were also qualified by the assumption that the people are righteous in most, if not all, of the quotes.
I see it a little differently. I like to see it more personal.
While this land was prepared for special purposes, the ask to be righteous is more personal, and the promise is as well. I'm to keep the commandments so I can prosper. If I am righteous, I will be led to a place prepared for me. For me, to see it otherwise makes it too easy to either fall into "pride of our country" or judgment towards others not living up to some specific vision of our country. When I see it as a personal promise, it becomes more love-filled from the Lord and more about righteous living and not about the shortcomings of others or other countries in the world.
One final thought - while this promise is filled with gospel truth and often quoted by many, the word “prosper” can be easily misunderstood. "Prosper" means succeeding at an activity, enterprise, or with your life's work. It does not have to mean getting rich or succeeding economically. Those are measures of the world, not of the Lord. Prosperity means to grow, to gain health, to feel peace, to have a relationship with the Lord, and to succeed in my work. It can also encompass personal fulfillment, health, and social or environmental sustainability. If I follow the will of the Lord and try to find what He would have me do, I will prosper in my activities and be able to sustain my activities for a longer time.
As children learn to speak, they may babble as the desire hits them, even at seemingly the wrong times. As children grow, they speak out as thoughts hit them. We should think of our prayers that way. When the thought hits you, pray about it. You don't need formality to speak with God.