“. . . I feel we don’t really need scriptures. The entire life is an open book, a scripture. Read it. Learn while digging a pit or chopping some wood or cooking some food. If you can’t learn from your daily activities, how are you going to understand the scriptures? (233)”

“Learn those helpful truths by pondering the Book of Mormon and other scriptures. Try to understand those teachings not only with your mind but also with your heart.”

“The scriptures are like a written “recording” of the “voice” of the Lord—a voice we feel in our hearts more than we hear with our ears. As we study the written word of God, we learn to hear His voice in the words we read. As we return repeatedly to the holy scriptures, we gain experience and confidence in hearing and feeling His voice.Five basic principles can help us learn more effectively from our personal scripture study.1. Pray for understanding and invite the help of the Holy Ghost.Begin scripture study with prayer.Ask for understanding as you study.Express gratitude as you conclude. 2. Work.Pay the price of regular and diligent study. 3. Be consistent.Set aside a specific and scheduled time each day. 4. Ponder.Think about the truths, experiences, and lessons in the scriptures.Take time—pondering cannot be forced, hurried, or rushed. 5. Write down impressions, thoughts, and feelings.Record what you learn, think, and feel.Invite the Holy Ghost to continue instruction.”

“When you've understood this scripture, throw it away. If you can't understand this scripture, throw it away. I insist on your freedom.”

“The wisdom of what a person says is in direct proportion to his progress in learning the holy scriptures--and I am not speaking of intensive reading or memorization, but real understanding and careful investigation of their meaning. Some people read them but neglect them; by their reading they profit in knowledge, by their neglect they forfeit understanding.”

“Sometimes we need a personal crisis to reinforce in our minds what we really value and cherish. The scriptures are filled with examples of people facing crises before learning how to better serve God and others. Perhaps if you, too, search your hearts and courageously assess the priorities in your life, you may discover, as I did, that you need a better balance among your priorities.”