2 Nephi 4:15-16

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Reference Search: 2 Nephi 4:15-16

15 And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.

16 Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.

Quotes for Discussion

Delight in Scripture and Ponder Them

Just as continuing revelation enlarges and illuminates the scriptures, so also a study of the scriptures enables men and women to receive revelations….This happens because scripture reading puts us in tune with the Spirit of the Lord.

The idea that scripture reading can lead to inspiration and revelation opens the door to the truth that a scripture is not limited to what it meant when it was written but may also include what that scripture means to a reader today. Even more, scripture reading may also lead to current revelation on whatever else the Lord wishes to communicate to the reader at that time. We do not overstate the point when we say that the scriptures can be a Urim and Thummim to assist each of us to receive personal revelation.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Scripture Reading and Revelation,” Ensign, January 1995, p. 8

Truth is often felt before it is understood. Though the mind and tongue may lack the ability to articulate a principle, it may still be fully understood by the heart (see Matthew 13:15). President Harold B. Lee frequently described the growth of testimony as the process by which a person’s heart tells him things his mind is yet to understand.

The union of heart and mind is necessary to an understanding of the word of the Lord. Eternal truths cannot be comprehended by the intellect alone, nor on the other hand is gospel understanding to be mindless. By definition revelation is that which comes to the heart and mind by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See D&C 8:2-3.)

Millet & McConkie, BOM Commentary, 1:216

For a person to become great, he must not dwell on small things, though he may enjoy them. (History of the Church 5:298.)…A fanciful and flowery and heated imagination beware of; because the things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Thy mind, O man1…must stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity—thou must commune with God. How much more dignified and noble are the thoughts of God, than the vain imaginations of the human heart!

Joseph Smith, Teachings of Joseph Smith, 137