Mosiah 4:24-26

24 And again, I say unto the poor, ye who have not and yet have sufficient, that ye remain from day to day; I mean all you who deny the beggar, because ye have not; I would that ye say in your hearts that: I give not because I have not, but if I had I would give.

25 And now, if ye say this in your hearts ye remain guiltless, otherwise ye are condemned; and your condemnation is just for ye covet that which ye have not received.

26 And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God—I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants. (Mosiah 4:24-26)

King Benjamin continues teaching us about our responsibilities to the poor.

While those who have are told to give, what about the poor? Are they exempt from the commandment to give?

The Lord has told us what is expected of us. “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee” (Deuteronomy 16:17).

In the case of the poor, what’s in their hearts matter. They are to give what they can. But, most importantly, they must have the desire to give, had they had the resources.

“And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

“And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

“For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living” (Mark 12:42-44).

In verse 24 we have an example of chiastic contrast (using an opposing statement or phrase in close proximity to the original idea). 

A I give not 

B because I have not,

B but if I had

A I would give.[1]

“Once we are convinced that we have an obligation to give, we must learn that to render service in the proper spirit is of first importance. Mormon, speaking to those who give for the wrong reasons, said, ‘For if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing.’”[2]

“Some months ago my wife drove down to Provo for her customary weekly visit with her mother, who had been ill for some time. On this particular day her mother had been having an unusually difficult time, and didn’t have the strength to hold up her head, or even open her eyes. Though she was physically restricted, she was very alert mentally, and as my wife was caring for her many needs of the day she visited with her about family and friends. My wife held her mother’s head up with one hand while she fed her with the other, and during the meal their conversation turned to one of our daughters and her husband who have five children under the age of seven. My wife commented to her mother that three of our daughter’s children had chicken pox at the same time. The fact that this little mother was unusually busy was obvious. My mother-in-law stopped eating, thought for a moment, and then in a weak, almost inaudible voice said, ‘I feel so sorry for Robin. I wish I could go to her home and help her.’ A few moments later, as my wife pondered this wish, she observed, ‘You know, Mother, I think in your case wanting to is enough. Surely you will receive a blessing for service and selflessness as though you went to her home and helped’ …

“It is my feeling that, after all is said and done, it will be the intent of the heart by which we shall be judged. However, let us be careful that we do not fill our hearts with unjustified excuses. Being selfless does not come naturally to most of us. Often it is easier to say, ‘I can’t,’ or ‘I’m made differently,’ or ‘I don’t have time,’ than it is to become involved in making life happier and more pleasant for others.”[3]

If the poor do this, they remain guiltless before God. If they don’t, they are condemned for they covet that which they do not have. “Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men’s goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands” (D&C 56:17).

“One of the many problems with coveting is that it fundamentally denies that all things belong to God. Just as the giver must accept God’s ultimate ownership in order to share his wealth properly with the poor, the poor must receive it in the same spirit, recognizing the same dependence of all people on God.”[4]

King Benjamin has told his people this so they might obtain a remission of their sins and walk guiltless before God.

“Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?[5]

“He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart” (Psalm 15:1-2).

“Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name” (Psalm 86:11).

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

He wants them to impart of their substance to the poor, according to what each person has.

“Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.

“But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.

“And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted” (Jacob 2:17-19).

“Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:

“And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart” (Zechariah 7:9-10).

“Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me” (Luke 18:22).

They are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, and administer to their needs, both spiritual and temporal.

“Yea, he saw great inequality among the people, some lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs upon the needy and the naked and those who were hungry, and those who were athirst, and those who were sick and afflicted.

“Now this was a great cause for lamentations among the people, while others were abasing themselves, succoring those who stood in need of their succor, such as imparting their substance to the poor and the needy, feeding the hungry, and suffering all manner of afflictions, for Christ’s sake, who should come according to the spirit of prophecy” (Alma 4:12-13).

“In giving, the poor may keep what is sufficient for their needs, and food, clothing, and shelter covers it (Mosiah 4:26), for the rule is summed up simply, that every man ‘should impart of [his] substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath’-which is also the wording of Deuteronomy, for all have a right to food, clothing, shelter and medical care, ‘both according to their wants’(Mosiah 4:26; 18:29).”[6]

“This very hour there are many members of the Church who are suffering. They are hungry, stretched financially, and struggling with all manner of physical, emotional, and spiritual distress. They pray with all the energy of their souls for succor, for relief.

“Brethren, please do not think that this is someone else’s responsibility. It is mine, and it is yours. We are all enlisted. ‘All’ means all—every Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood holder, rich and poor, in every nation. In the Lord’s plan, there is something everyone can contribute.

“The lesson we learn generation after generation is that rich and poor are all under the same sacred obligation to help their neighbor. It will take all of us working together to successfully apply the principles of welfare and self-reliance.” (emphasis in original)[7]

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[1] Find Bibilical Hebrew and Other Ancient Literary Forms in the Book of Mormon - Forms of Parallelism, Maxwell Institute website.

[2] Living Welfare Principles, President Marion G. Romney, October 1981 General Conference.

[3] Selflessness: A Pattern for Happiness, Bishop H. Burke Peterson, April 1985 General Conference.

[4] Complete Text of Benjamin’s Speech with Notes and Comments, Maxwell Institute website.

[5] Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill of Zion (JST Psalm 15:1).

[6] Work We Must, but the Lunch Is Free, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute website.

[7] Providing in the Lord’s Way, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2011 General Conference.

Mosiah 4:19-23

19 For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?

20 And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a remission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with joy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy.

21 And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another.

22 And if ye judge the man who putteth up his petition to you for your substance that he perish not, and condemn him, how much more just will be your condemnation for withholding your substance, which doth not belong to you but to God, to whom also your life belongeth; and yet ye put up no petition, nor repent of the thing which thou hast done.

23 I say unto you, wo be unto that man, for his substance shall perish with him; and now, I say these things unto those who are rich as pertaining to the things of this world. (Mosiah 4:19-23)

King Benjamin reminds us we are all beggars before God  “The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all” (Proverbs 22:2).

“For who maketh thee to differ from [GR different from, superior to] another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

We all depend on Him for everything we have – food, clothing, gold, and sliver.

“Throughout His mortal life the Savior taught that we should care for one another and help one another. He healed the sick, caused the lame to walk, restored sight to the blind, and unstopped the ears of the deaf. He taught the people the gospel. He blessed the people and performed many mighty miracles.

“There are opportunities everywhere to help those in need. I submit to you that at some time in our lives, each of us will be poor in some way and will need the help of another person … President Spencer W. Kimball said: ‘God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.’”[1]

They have been calling upon the Lord, begging for forgiveness for their sins.

“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

“But we are sure [GR know] that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

“And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance” (Romans 2:1-4).

Has your begging been in vain? No. He has poured out His Spirit, causing them to be filled with joy. “Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets” (Luke 6:23).

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith” (Galatians 5:22).

“Benjamin is so poignant in his sharp, one-liner inquiry, ‘For behold, are we not all beggars?’ (Mosiah 4:19). In stressing our continuing dependence on God for all the necessities of life, Benjamin moves quickly to note our spiritual dependence—especially our dependence upon the atonement, by means of which alone can we have a remission of our sin (see Mosiah 4:19-20).”[2]

If God, on whom we are dependent for all we have, will grant us what we ask in faith, then we too must impart our substance to one another. “For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land” (Deuteronomy 15:11).

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again” (Proverbs 19:17).

“Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away” (Matthew 5:42).

“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

“A friend of mine is having a difficult time in her life. Earlier this year she was struggling, and I didn’t know how to help her. In my prayers I asked my Heavenly Father to bless her and to help me to be her friend. One day she became angry with me, and I did not understand. I didn’t know how to react. I didn’t want to say something wrong that might ruin our friendship, especially because this was a time when I felt she needed me. But after she became angry with me, I thought it would be too hard. I was considering giving up because I was discouraged.

“One afternoon in seminary I came across a scripture in Mosiah that said: ‘And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another’ (Mosiah 4:21).

“I knew then that she needed and still needs of the substance I can impart: my friendship and my testimony. I decided then that I would not give up on my friend. I talk to her every day, remember her in my prayers, and have faith that something positive will come from my efforts. I am so grateful that I prayed and received this guidance through the scriptures.”[3]

Do not judge someone who asks for your help.

“Judge not, that ye be not judged.

“For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again” (Matthew 7:1-2).[4]

“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24).[5]

If you don’t help him, but condemn him and withhold your help, you are withholding that which belongs to God. “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion [GR is hardhearted, void of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him” (1 John 3:17).

All you have belongs to God. “And now I ask, can ye say aught of yourselves? I answer you, Nay. Ye cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth; yet ye were created of the dust of the earth; but behold, it belongeth to him who created you” (Mosiah 2:25).

“Consider, for example, how many sincerely believe that if they simply ask for something in prayer, God will grant it, especially if they ask with at least a modicum of faith. King Benjamin counseled us, however, that while we are to pray in faith, it should be for ‘that [which] is right’ (Mosiah 4:21)…

“Since we are utterly and totally dependent on the Lord, Benjamin urges us to be especially sensitive to others and to impart to them. In the spiritual domain, those who are rich spiritually have a duty to impart and to nurture those who are weak. While Benjamin stressed imparting of material and physical substance to the poor, he would doubtless agree with Isaiah about the need to clothe others as well in ‘the garment of praise’ (Isaiah 61:3). Those who have enough bread may shiver for recognition and yearn for the succor of deserved commendation.”[6]

Giving the people the responsibility for taking care of the poor was a change from the traditional responsibilities of a king.

“In ancient Israel, it was typically the obligation of the king to care for the poor. Kings of Babylon boasted that they were guardians over the poor, the widows, and the orphans. Similarly, in ancient Israel, a king was recognized as a just ruler if he afforded or provided social justice for all. With Benjamin’s speech, the obligation to assure social justice in his kingdom was placed upon all people, both the rich and the poor (see Mosiah 4:21–30). The demanding obligations of helping those in need of help, giving of one’s substance to those who stand in need, and not turning the beggar out to perish (see Mosiah 4:16) were shouldered by all the people, who in effect were asked to assume a burden normally considered to be a preeminently royal obligation.”[7]

Wo be unto the person who refuses to share with the poor. “Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved” (D&C 56:16).

Hugh Nibley warns, “Wo unto us if we judge a man for his improvidence, however real it might be (Mosiah 4:22), or withhold our substance from those who have brought poverty on themselves (Mosiah 4:17). The man who argues that he has a right to more of this world's goods than another because he has worked harder ‘hath great cause to repent’ (Mosiah 4:17-18).”[8]

The story of widow’s mite show the importance of doing what you can. 

“AND he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

“And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.

“And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:

“For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had” (Luke 21:1-4).

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[1] His Arm Is Sufficient, Sister Barbara Thompson, April 2009 General Conference.

[2] King Benjamin's Sermon: A Manual for Discipleship, Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Maxwell Institute.

[3] Trust in the Lord, Sister Andrea Allen, April 1995 General Conference.

[4] “Now these are the words which Jesus taught his disciples that they should say unto the people.

“Judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged; but judge righteous judgment” (JST Matthew 7:1-2).

[5] “Judge not according to your traditions, but judge righteous judgment” (JST John 7:24).

[6] King Benjamin's Sermon: A Manual for Discipleship, Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Maxwell Institute.

[7] Democratizing Forces in King Benjamin's Speech, John W. Welch, Maxwell Institute.

[8] The Way of the Wicked, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute.

Mosiah 4:15-18

15 But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.

16 And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.

17 Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—

18 But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God. (Mosiah 4:15-18)

King Benjamin continues explaining responsibilities they have to their children.

It is their responsibility to teach their children.

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

“And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7).

“Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

“I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

“Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.

“We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.

“For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children” (Psalm 78:1-5).

They are to be taught to walk in ways of truth. “Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name” (Psalm 86:11).

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1).

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

They are to be taught to love and serve one another. “Remember, this scripture says to teach our children. How can we teach them if we don’t get together as a family (and not just as a place to exchange the car keys)?” (emphasis in original)[1]

“The Lord organized the family unit in the beginning. He intended that the home be the center of learning – that the father and mother be teachers. He has given counsel that applies whether the family lives within or without the boundaries of an organized unit of the Church…

“The Lord fixed families to give parents more influence on children than all other agencies combined. There is safety in this arrangement. It provides parents the privilege, the awesome privilege, of molding the life and character of a child...”[2] (emphasis in original)

“Every human being is a spirit child of God and lived with Heavenly Father before coming to earth. He entrusts his spirit children to earthly parents … and gives to parents the sacred opportunity and responsibility to love, protect, teach, and to bring them up in light and truth so they may one day, through the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ, return to our Father’s presence.

“These precious souls come to us in purity and innocence. As parents, we assume an immense responsibility for their care and well-being. Parents share this sacred trust with brothers and sisters, grandparents, teachers, neighbors, and all who touch the lives and impress or influence the souls of these precious children.”[3]

King Benjamin turns to teaching them their responsibilities to the poor.

We are to help those who need our help. “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again” (Proverbs 19:17).

“If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates [IE cities, towns] in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother” (Deuteronomy 15:7).

“Behold, I say unto you, that ye must visit the poor and the needy and administer to their relief, that they may be kept until all things may be done according to my law which ye have received” (D&C 44:6).

“And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple” (D&C 52:40).

We must provide of our own substance to those who are in need. We must not ignore their needs. “Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard” (Proverbs 21:13).

“[B]eyond your family, ‘ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him.’ A beggar is one who asks, for some reason or other not having what he needs: ‘Ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish’ (Mosiah 4:16). He begs because he is hungry, and we must all eat to stay alive-to turn any beggar down, for all you know, is to sentence him to death-it has happened (Mosiah 4:16).”[4]

Many beggars are responsible for this situation.  They made poor choices and decisions and are now on the streets.  Why should we care?  Why should I give this person anything?  Solomon has a response.  “Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished” (Proverbs 17:5).

Benjamin makes sure we understand our responsibilities.  If we judge the person, we have “great cause to repent.”  Notice his use of words.  As we read his sermon, we see that he chooses his words carefully.  He knows the power of words (as did President Hinckley).  We don’t have a need to repent, we have “a great cause to repent” (Emphasis mine).  Hugh Nibley is clear in telling us our responsibility.

“And how shameful to turn your back on the beggar, with some self-serving rationalization that ‘the man has brought upon himself his misery’ (Mosiah 4:17). How do you know that? And you a beggar yourself! For shame! Is it necessary to pass a law against holding back on sharing what God has given you liberally?”[5]

If the person fails to repent, “he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.” 

“The usual pious appeal to the work-ethic-there is no free lunch-will not do … The man has brought upon himself his misery . . . I worked for mine! (Mosiah 4:17). Indolent and unworthy the beggar may be-but that is not your concern: It is better, said Joseph Smith, to feed ten impostors than to run the risk of turning away one honest petition. Anyone who explains why he denies help to another who needs it, says Benjamin, ‘hath great cause to repent . . . and hath no interest in the kingdom of God’ (Mosiah 4:18), which kingdom is built up on the law of consecration.”[6]

The devil loves it when we attempt to rationalize or justify our choices that are not in harmony with the Savior’s teachings.  Lindon J. Robinson tells us:

“The Book of Mormon spells out a risk for those who try to rationalize inequality by claiming that the poor deserve their deprivations because they are not as smart, don't work as hard, or have committed some act for which poverty is their prize. Some during King Benjamin's reign held such views, requiring him to teach that those who failed to share with the poor because they believed the poor deserved their poverty needed to repent or would have no place in the kingdom of God (see Mosiah 4:17–18).”[7]

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[1] A Foundation Whereon Men Cannot Fall, Elder David B. Haight, April 1972 General Conference.

[2] Therefore I Was Taught, Elder A. Theodore Tuttle, October 1979 General Conference.

[3] Teach the Children, President M Russell Ballard, April 1991 General Conference.

[4] Work We Must, but the Lunch Is Free, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute.

[5] Assembly and Atonement – Public and Private, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute.

[6] Work We Must, but the Lunch Is Free, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute.

[7]“No Poor Among Them,” Lindon J. Robison, Maxwell Institute.

Mosiah 4:12-14

12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.

13 And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due.

14 And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness. (Mosiah 4:12-30)

King Benjamin tells his people if they are faithful and repent, they will be filled with the love of God. They will always have forgiveness for their sins. Their knowledge of the glory of God and that which is true will grow.

“No matter what your current status, the very moment you voluntarily choose honest, joyful, daily repentance by striving to simply do and be your very best, the Savior’s Atonement envelops and follows you, as it were, wherever you go. Living in this manner, you can truly ‘always retain a remission of your sins’ every hour of every day, every second of every minute, and thus be fully clean and acceptable before God all the time.”[1]

They will have no desire to injure each other. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

“And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace” (James 3:18).

They will live in peace and give to each person according to what is appropriate for them.

“No doubt Benjamin faced several crises during his lifetime. As has been discussed above, one of his most urgent needs was to promote unity among his people. The first and last things said in reference to Benjamin in the Book of Mormon are about contentions. Judging by Benjamin’s comments to the rich and the poor, class stratification was a problem that had developed among these people. To strengthen his community, Benjamin’s first covenantal stipulation for the people was that parents should teach the youth that they should ‘not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably’ one with another (Mosiah 4:13).”[2]

Speaking of children, Benjamin tells us our children…

·        should not go hungry.

·        should be clothed.

·        should not break the commandments.

·        should not fight and quarrel with each other.

·        should not serve the devil (“the enemy to all righteousness”).

 “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8).

“All children have claim upon their parents for their maintenance until they are of age” (D&C 83:4).

If we fail to take care of our children, we will serve the devil, the master of sin.“And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray” (2 Nephi 32:8).

“But, O my people, beware lest there shall arise contentions among you, and ye list to obey the evil spirit, which was spoken of by my father Mosiah” (Mosiah 2:32).

All of this is to be done by parents as their children grow. M. Catherine Thomas looks at the importance of fighting the devil.

“The priesthood holder labors with all his faculties to rout Satan from his loved ones as Satan is manifested in physical violence, mental warfare, and contention among the people. For any Melchizedek Priesthood holder to become a prince of peace, he must in some degree wrest his little kingdom from the adversary and halt the plans of the destroyer on behalf of his loved ones.”[3]

“The home is the great laboratory of love. There the raw chemicals of selfishness and greed are melded in the crucible of cooperation to yield compassionate concern and love one for another.”[4]

Children are to be taught to walk in the ways of truth and soberness. “And it came to pass that [King Benjamin] 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” (Mosiah 1:2).

“Wherefore teach … your children, that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence; for, in the language of Adam, Man of Holiness is his name, and the name of his Only Begotten is the Son of Man, even Jesus Christ, a righteous Judge, who shall come in the meridian of time.

“Therefore I give unto you a commandment, to teach these things freely unto your children” (Moses 6:57-58).

“And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws [OR laws and doctrine], and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do” (Exodus 18:20).

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4).

“Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name” (Psalm 86:11).

They should love and serve one another.

“From the scripture we see that King Benjamin points out in a very positive way how we can help our children, for he said we shall teach them truth, teach them soberness, teach them to love one another, and teach them to serve one another. Fathers and mothers, may I remind you that we are always teaching.

“The home should be the great workshop of the Lord. Here is where children must be taught to walk in ways of truth and soberness, of love and service to each other.

“The most effective examples a child will ever have—for bad or for good—are his own parents. Few of us realize how very pliable and teachable children are in their primary years of life. How quick they are to pick up parental habits and traits and teachings!”[5]

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[1] Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence, Elder Jörg Klebingat, October 2014 General Conference.

[2] Benjamin’s Speech: A Masterful Oration, John W. Welch, Maxwell Institute.

[3] King Benjamin and the Mysteries of God, M. Catherine Thomas, Maxwell Institute.

[4] Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women, President Russell M. Nelson, April 1999 General Conference.

[5] Harmony in the Home, Bishop H. Burke Peterson, April 1972 General Conference.

Mosiah 4:9-11

9 Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.

10 And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them.

11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.

12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.

13 And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due.

Mosiah 4:9-13

If you are looking for a brief summary of Benjamin’s sermon, verse 9 provides it.  Believe in God, Benjamin tells us.  He created the heavens and the earth.  God has all wisdom. 

Paul wrote to the Romans:

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

“For who hath known the mind of the Lord?  or who hath been his counsellor?

“Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever.  Amen” (Romans 11:33-36).

Benjamin tells us we cannot comprehend all things.  Only the Lord can comprehend all things.  Isaiah also made the same point.  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

“Can you see that King Benjamin is not just telling us that we don’t know everything; he is asking us to believe it, to make it a matter of faith. It is so easy to forget that we must make it an article of faith, something we need to keep reminding ourselves of. Believe that you don’t comprehend everything the Lord comprehends. Make that belief a cornerstone of your life, bringing its insights to bear on the problems you encounter. I don’t have it all figured out right now. There are some things that still don’t fit in, but I have a witness that the Lord understands and knows the answers to those things and that they do fit in, so I can be satisfied with where I am in my progress right now. Although it sounds paradoxical, I would like to suggest that if we can get a witness of this point, a testimony that we don’t know (along with our testimonies of the things that we do know), our progress in this line-upon-line test will be much smoother.”[1]

We must believe that we must repent of and forsake our sins.  We must humble ourselves before God.  When we ask for his forgiveness, we must be sincere in our request and believe.  David wrote, “I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee” (Psalms 41:4).  The Lord commanded the elder of the church “who are assembled upon this spot, whose sins are now forgiven you, for I, the Lord, forgive sins, and am merciful unto those who confess their sins with humble hearts” (D&C 61:2).  “Does that sound authoritarian? We seem to forget that these words were handed not only to Benjamin but also to Joseph Smith by an angel from another sphere. Their purpose is to help prepare us for that other sphere. Do not expect the words of the angel to be like other texts, conservative or liberal.”^[2]

The Savior taught the same thing with His parable of the wise and foolish man.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto [GR he will resemble] a wise man, which built his house upon a rock [GR the rock].

“And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a ^crock.

“And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

“And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it” (Matthew 7:24-27).

No doubt King Benjamin was aware of the words of Nephi.

“And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done?  Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a ^clove of God and of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

“And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God.  And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end” (2 Nephi 31:19-21).

Benjamin gives us a series of steps to follow.

·        “He says that they have come to the “knowledge of the glory of God,’ as they have ‘tasted of his love’ (Mosiah 4:11). The Lord connects being born again with being a partaker of the glory of God. He says, ‘All those who are begotten through me are partakers of the glory of the same, and are the church of the Firstborn’ (D&C 93:22).”[3]

·        “[Ye] have tasted of God’s love.” David wrote about tasting God’s love. “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Psalms 34:8).  Alma₂ could be confirming Benjamin’s words in his advice to his son, Helaman.

“Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

“Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors;

“For because of the word which he has imparted unto me, behold, many have been born of God, and have tasted as I have tasted, and have seen eye to eye as I have seen; therefore they do know of these things of which I have spoken, as I do know; and the knowledge which I have is of God” (Alma 36:24-26).

·        “[Ye] have received a remission of your sins

o   “[Ye] have exceedingly great joy in your souls”

·        “[Ye] should remember and always retain a remembrance of the greatness of God”

·        “[Ye] should remember and always retain a remembrance of … your own nothingness” 

Writing to the Romans, Paul said,

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

“For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8).

“An individual would be presumptuous to claim to be a saint, because such a declaration implies a claim to purity that is not in keeping with acknowledging our nothingness before the Lord (see Mosiah 4:11).”^[4]

“After having received the great joy that comes from knowing the goodness of God and having tasted of His love, King Benjamin taught his people three basic principles that would help them retain a remission of their sins: first, to remain humble; second, to call upon the Lord daily; and third, to stand steadfast in the faith of that which was to come (see Mosiah 4:11).”[5]

·        “[Ye] should remember his goodness and long-suffering towards you”

·        “[Ye] should humble yourselves even in the depths of humility”

·        “[Ye] should call on the name of the Lord daily”

·        “[Ye] should stand steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come”

If we do all these things, we will rejoice and obtain a remission of our sins.  Alma₂ described this rejoicing.  “And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?” (Alma 5:26).

We “shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that crated you.”  “And what is that glory? Intelligence, the greatest fun of all, with no room for invidious comparison, rivalry, and jealousy that characterize the competitive business and professionalism, since truth alone is the object (Mosiah 4:13—16).”[6]

M. Catherine Thomas explains, “Is it possible that it was not just the news that the Savior will minister on the earth in a hundred years or so that was intended to fill them with joy—because they already knew all the prophecies of the holy prophets with respect to the Savior’s ministry—but that the atonement was about to become very personal to them? Was their faith in the Lord about to become knowledge? This joy announced by the angel was not to be just a momentary experience. If they were diligent unto prayer (see Moroni 8:26) and obedient to the other instructions their king would give them, they could retain this perfect love and joy in their hearts and even ‘grow in the knowledge of the glory of [God]’ (Mosiah 4:12).”[7]

Should the people follow King Benjamin’s counsel, they will “not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably and to render to every man according to that which is his due”

“No doubt Benjamin faced several crises during his lifetime. As has been discussed above, one of his most urgent needs was to promote unity among his people. The first and last things said in reference to Benjamin in the Book of Mormon are about contentions. Judging by Benjamin’s comments to the rich and the poor, class stratification was a problem that had developed among these people. To strengthen his community, Benjamin’s first covenantal stipulation for the people was that parents should teach the youth that they should ‘not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably’ one with another (Mosiah 4:13).”[8]

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[1] “We Have Received, and We Need No More,” Dilworth B. Parkinson, Maxell Institute.

[2] Assembly and Atonement – Public and Private, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute.

[3] King Benjamin and the Mysteries of God, M. Catherine Thomas, Maxwell Institute website.

[4] Romans 1 – Verses 1–7, Maxwell Institute.

[5] Retaining a Remission of Sin, Elder Keith Crockett, October 2000 General Conference.

[6] Last Call: An Apocalyptic Warning from the Book of Mormon, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute.

[7] King Benjamin and the Mysteries of God, M. Catherine Thomas, Maxwell Institute.

[8] Benjamin’s Speech: A Masterful Oration, John W. Welch, Maxwell Institute.