Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 29:2, 7

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 29:2, 7
"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it."

In the chapters I read tonight considering or caring for the poor was mentioned so many times. I think you can know the heart of a man in the way he treats the poor and needy. It's not just to feed and cloth the naked and hungry, it's important to know what is causing the poverty and help lift them out of it. I pondered on the "Perpetual Education Fund" that is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

President Gordon B. Hinckley called it a "bold initiative".
“But we believe in the need for it and in the success that it will enjoy,” he said. “Where there is widespread poverty among our people, we must do all we can to help them to lift themselves, to establish their lives upon a foundation of self-reliance that can come of training. Education is the key to opportunity.”
("25 years later, 130,000 students have benefited from the Church’s Perpetual Education Fund loans", Church News, 3 Feb 2026)

Over 130,000 students in 76 countries have been blessed because of it. The effect blesses generations.

Day 3962

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 26:27

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 26:27
"Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him."

I have thought of this one lately. How does a man dig a pit and fall in it? Or, roll a stone and it rolls back over him? How do they not see where things are headed. It is a spiritual blindness due to wickedness that overcomes them. They can no longer see that others can see things as they really are. Those with eyes that see and ears that hear, and hearts that understand know to get out of their way.

"And it came to pass that thus passed away the ninety and fifth year also, and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen—"
(3 Nephi 2:1)

The other part is the wicked will destroy each other.

"But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed."
(Mormon 4:5)

"And also that God hath set his hand and seal to change the times and seasons, and to blind their minds, that they may not understand his marvelous workings; that he may prove them also and take them in their own craftiness;
Also because their hearts are corrupted, and the things which they are willing to bring upon others, and love to have others suffer, may come upon themselves to the very uttermost;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 121:12-13)

Day 3961

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 24:24

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 24:24
"He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:"

I think I have been seeing examples of this. I had a discussion with the son earlier today about it and we were reminded of this scripture.

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
(Isaiah 5:20)

"Satan offers a strange mixture of just enough good to disguise the evil along his downward path to destruction,"
(Durrel A. Woolsey, "A Strategy for War", Oct 1995 General Conference)

Having the spirit as our guide is more important than ever. We cannot afford to be deceived.

Day 3960

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 21:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 21:23
"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."

I've had to exercise that several times today. As I was pondering on this I realized that when you know truth and are sure of it, that it doesn't matter if others don't see it. You know trying to change a person's mind would only bring contention, and its not worth it.

Day 3959

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 18:13, 15

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 18:13, 15
"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge."

Coming to a conclusion before we have all the facts is folly and will bring shame. It is so important, especially in the times we live in, to make sure we have truth. Seeking knowledge and truth is vital.

"But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right."
(Doctrine and Covenants 9:8)

If we are to walk with the spirit always to be with us we must study things out in our minds before the spirit can guide us in if it be truth or error.

Day 3958

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 11:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 11:5-6
"The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness."

I have been pondering last night and today over the need to see justice done for those wronged. In part this was triggered by Elder Ronald A Rasband's talk the other day at the MTCs.

“We should all thank Heavenly Father that we get to have a front-row seat to the fulfillment of ancient and modern-day prophecy,
To illustrate the Lord’s hastening of His work, Elder Rasband countered six false narratives from those who “cannot see or acknowledge what is happening."
"I feel that we are only scratching the surface of what the Lord has in store for us as He prepares the world for His Second Coming,”
“I feel that we are only scratching the surface of what the Lord has in store for us as He prepares the world for His Second Coming,”
“So buckle up, hold on tight, because I firmly believe that the best is yet to come.”
(Ronald A. Rasband, "'A remarkable time to serve’: At MTC, Elder Rasband testifies the Lord is hastening His work", Church News, 28 Jan 2026)

I have asked myself "Do I know what time it is? Am I really seeing what's happening?"

These are the last days, I'm not so sure justice will come by man.The wicked will consume the wicked. I do not need the chaos of the world to turn my focus and time away from what is needful. I need to put my focus on doing good things that cultivate the spirit to guide me. Work on my family history, attend the temple, seek knowledge, growth, ponder and prayer. Right now having the spirit as my guide is the best thing I can do to survive these days. Oh, I know what time it is, and I don't need to see all the gory details on the world's wickedness. My focus is the Lord is coming, I'm preparing for that day.

Deseret News

Day 3956

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 8:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 8:17
"I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."

I reflected on my childhood and how I first learned about Jesus. It was at the Harrisena Community Church, down the road from my parents' home. I was probably 3 or 4 at the time. In Sunday School my teacher gave all of us a picture of Jesus at the door. She explained how there wasn't a door knob for him to open. That we needed to let Him in. The stuck with me and I have always treasured that picture. I was so blessed to know and love Jesus from my youth.

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. "
(Matthew 7:7-8)

"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."
(Jeremiah 29:13)

"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
(Doctrine and Covenants 88:63)

Day 3955

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 6:16-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 6:16-19
"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."

I have to say this does remind me of someone. If I'm reading this correctly the Lord hates the first six but the seventh is an abomination to him. That would be sowing discord among brethren. It reminded me of when I looked at the difference between wickedness and evil.

To be wicked you are morally wrong in a principle. To be evil you have a plan or passion to hurt someone. With sowing discord among brethren it sounds like you have a plan and are working it. Its incredible how much discord one evil person can sow. We were warned about supporting and giving them power.

"Members should also study candidates carefully and vote for those who have demonstrated integrity, compassion, and service to others, regardless of party affiliation. Merely voting a straight ticket or voting based on “tradition” without careful study of candidates and their positions on important issues is a threat to democracy and inconsistent with revealed standards (see Doctrine and Covenants 98:10)."
(First Presidency Letter, "Political Participation, Voting, and the Political Neutrality of the Church", 1 Jun 2023)

"But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed."
(Mormon 4:5)

Day 3954

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

I've had some interesting observations and emotions today. Good people that see the events taking place around us so differently. I have been reflecting on how we truly are in those days spoken of by President Nelson.

"But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.
My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. Let this Easter Sunday be a defining moment in your life. Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

I'm not saying my good friends that see things differently than me are incapable of receiving revelation. That would mean I think I am and I'm right. I have decided to just do the best that I can and leave the rest in the Lord's hands. I continue to pray for guidance, that my eyes will see, and ears will hear. That I will recognize truth and have understanding. I cannot get through the mine fields around me without the Lord's guidance and direction. One thing is sure there are so many opinions out there that if we were left on our own to figure things out we may fall down crooked paths. Look to the Lord and do what is right.

Day 3953

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 31:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 31:10

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."

When I read this verse I thought the virtuous woman must be worth even more than rubies now. She is becoming rarer and rarer. Then I read the descriptions of this virtuous woman and boy was she industrious.

"The virtuous woman described in Proverbs was a woman who was prepared. She worked willingly, stretched out her hand to the poor, saw to the physical needs of her household, sought after knowledge. She had profound reverence for the Lord. While many of her tasks may appear to be temporal in nature, her blessings were eternal ones."

(Barbara W. Winder, "Becoming a Prepared People", Oct 1988 General Conference)

This made me think of President Nelson's talk in where he listed three principles for us.

1. Create Place of Security

2. Prepare Your Mind to be Faithful to God

3. Never Stop Preparing

I am not saying that the days ahead will be easy, but I promise you that the future will be glorious for those who are prepared and who continue to prepare to be instruments in the Lord’s hands.

I promise that as we create places of security, prepare our minds to be faithful to God, and never stop preparing, God will bless us. He will “deliver us; yea, insomuch that he [will] speak peace to our souls, and [will] grant unto us great faith, and … cause us that we [can] hope for our deliverance in him.”

(Russell M. Nelson, "Embrace the Future with Faith", Oct 2020 General Conference)

I had not thought of President Nelson's talk following the description of a virtuous women but now I can see what he was asking us to become.

Day 2818

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 30:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 30:5

"Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him."

I immediately thought of the difference my faith has with other ones, over receiving additional scriptures that are the word of God. Some think the Book of Revelations was the end of the word of God. I cannot imagine not having all the scriptures that I do. They not only support each other they are a shield to me. I found this quote from Brigham Young discussing additional scriptures.

“But if a man should, by the gift of the Holy Ghost, in these days prophesy and write it, would it not be adding to what is already written, and is not that strictly forbidden?” This is a very popular query, and I am disposed to notice it a few moments. In Deuteronomy it is written—“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commands of the Lord your God which I command you.” (Deut. 4:2) Again, in the Book of Proverbs it is written—“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” (Prov. 30:5-6) Again in the last chapter of Revelation it is written—“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Rev. 22:18-19) 

Where is it intimated in these passages that God would cease or had ceased to give revelation to his children? Those passages were written to guard against the mutilation of the revelations already given, which then existed in manuscript form, and very likely there existed not more than one copy when these words were written. It cannot reasonably be supposed for a moment that the Almighty has sealed his own mouth in silence by the Scriptures quoted, yet they are used in that light by modern Christians."

(Brigham Young, "Ideas Entertained Respecting God, Etc.", JD 10:318)

Day 2817

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 29:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 29:11

"A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards."

I read an article today of a fool. It was something someone in apostasy wrote, even if they did not know it yet themselves. I could sense they were rather proud of themselves, and how clever and wise they thought they were. I made no response on the discussion. I have learned that people in that state would never listen to me anyways. In fact they usually dig themselves further into the hole if you do. Instead it just made me shake my head and wonder how smart they will feel after saying those same words to the Lord. For one day there will be an accounting.

Day 2816

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 28:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 28:10

"Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession."

It is a serious thing to deceive a righteous person. To be guilty of priestcrafts and teaching false doctrine. It's not hard to imagine that the trap they laid for another means they have buried themselves in it. It reminded me of this.

"Behold, verily I say unto you, there are hypocrites among you, who have deceived some, which has given the adversary power; but behold such shall be reclaimed;

But the hypocrites shall be detected and shall be cut off, either in life or in death, even as I will; and wo unto them who are cut off from my church, for the same are overcome of the world."

(Doctrine and Covenants 50:7-8

Day 2815

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 27:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 27:14

"He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him."

That made me chuckle, though I don't know if its what this verse intended. Around our house you better speak softly in the morning. No one likes loud noises or a lot of talking. We love our alone time in the morning. I don't think any of us would appreciate being woken up loudly to receive a blessing. It's not the time or place for it. It would feel more like a cursing. I suppose that would mean if you're going to bless someone make sure the time and place is appropriate for the intended target.

Day 2814

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 26:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 26:20

"Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth."

I was just thinking before I read my scriptures about how peaceful our home has been recently. Yes, we were sick but that wasn't the difference. When I read this verse I realized why.

Day 2813

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 25:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 25:8

"Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame."

This reminds me of President Nelson's general conference talk were he spoke of a granddaughter-in-law being myopic = near sighted. Thankfully those words helped her shift her thinking to an eternal perspective. For others you see them unable to look beyond the end of their noses. They cannot see what their actions lead them beyond this second.

"After Jill’s father passed on, the word myopic kept coming to her mind. She opened her heart to understand even more deeply that myopic meant “nearsighted.” And her thinking began to shift. Jill then said, “Myopic caused me to stop, think, and heal. That word now fills me with peace. It reminds me to expand my perspective and seek the eternal. It reminds me that there is a divine plan and that my dad still lives and loves and looks out for me. Myopic has led me to God.”

(Russell M. Nelson , "Let God Prevail", Oct 2020 General Conference)

Day 2812

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 24:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 24:17

"Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:"

It has to be wickedness in the heart to rejoice when the someone falls. This made me think of Mormon as he witnessed the destruction of his civilization.

"And my heart did sorrow because of this the great calamity of my people, because of their wickedness and their abominations..."

(Mormon 2:27)

That is probably going to be the hardest thing we will endure in these final days, witnessing the destruction of the wicked, because they are still our brothers and sisters. We cannot harden our hearts and withhold love and charity. As with Mormon there were times he was told not to lead them, or preach to them. Other times he was counseled to do so. There is such a need to be close to the spirit during these times. Always Mormon spoke of his love for them and he mourned for them in the very end.

"O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of the Lord! O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you!

Behold, if ye had not done this, ye would not have fallen. But behold, ye are fallen, and I mourn your loss."

Mormon 6:17-18)

"The second attitude adjustment is to not allow ourselves to find satisfaction in calamities of the last days. Sometimes we tend to take joy in seeing the natural consequences of sin unfold. We might feel some vindication for being ignored by most of the world and persecuted and berated by others. When we see earthquakes, wars, famines, disease, poverty, and heartbreak, we may be tempted to say, “Well, we warned them. We told them a thousand times not to engage in those activities.”

"Our forgiveness must be manifest by reaching out to help mend wounds even when they are the result of transgression. To react in any other way would be akin to setting up a lung cancer clinic for nonsmokers only. Whether the pain has come to someone who is completely innocent or is something of his own making is irrelevant. When a person has been hit by a truck, we don’t withhold our help even when it is obvious he didn’t stay in the pedestrian lane."

(Glenn L. Pace, "A Thousand Times", Oct 1990 General Conference)

Day 2811

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 23:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 23:13-14

"Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell."

I remember growing up being swatted with a lilac switch. I think it was very effective in making me a disciplined child. While I was raising my children you could no longer swat your child when they misbehaved. Maybe that's why we have a generations of disobedient children and adults? I was curious on what I could find given by the church on this. The following is by George A. Smith in 1872.

"In my boyhood discipline was enforced by the application of the blue beech switch. The blue beech does not grow in this country, but many schoolmasters in former times in New York and New England were provided with these tough limber switches, and I have seen them used among the scholars with fearful effect, and in cases where I am satisfied the pupil was less at fault than the preceptor. I know they say Solomon declared if you spare the rod you will spoil the child. My opinion is that the use of the rod is very frequently the result of a want of understanding on the part of a spoiled parent or teacher in guiding, directing and controlling the feelings and affections of children, though of course the use of the rod in some cases might be necessary; but I have seen children abused when they ought not to have been, because King Solomon is believed to have made that remark, which, if he did, in nine cases out of ten referred to mental rather than physical correction. I will, however, allow other men who have taught school, as a profession, to offer their suggestions on these subjects; but I will say that I have known Professor Dusenberry teach a hundred scholars—the wildest, roughest boys we had in a frontier town, and never lay a stick on one of them. He has done it term after term, and the children liked and respected him and would mind him, and there was nothing on the face of the earth that seemed to hurt their feelings more than to feel that they had lost the confidence of their preceptor. This was simply the result of cultivating reasoning powers in the minds of the children, and I am happy to say there are many such teachers now in Utah.

(George A. Smith, "Our Schools", JD 14:371)

This made me look over the chapter again and I noticed in verse 12 the following. "Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge." I don't think I ever noticed that this comes before correcting a child. The heart must be right, it must have understanding and knowledge regarding what was perceived to be wrong, before correcting the child. The problem today isn't a lack of disciplining a child with a good swat on the bottom. It's the lack of parents having the heart to instruct and listen to their children.

Day 2810

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 22:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 22:6

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

I remember when I was younger you would hear people proudly say all their children have served missions, and married in the temple. So few now can say that. Those that once could say that are now seeing their adult children fall away from the church. Why is this happening? Is the promise gone? As I pondered on this I thought of all the teachers my children had in their life time, and as adults. They were not just under my influence. Children now have social media and the internet that present things I would have never taught them. Schools teach them things I would have never taught them. I cannot help but think its the compilation of all the influences that teach a child and that directs what path they will follow. What a blessing the "Come, Follow Me" program is to members of the church, if they would use it.

Day 2809

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 21:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 21:2

"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts."

This reminds me of the conversation we had tonight during family scripture reading. It was how all sins start out small. We need to correct them before they become a larger sin. I gave the example of being honest in our dealings. If you were not charged correctly for an item at the grocery store and you owe more, and don't say anything, isn't that in reality theft? Over time you begin to justify more and more being dishonest in your dealings, until it's not only acceptable we look for ways to be dishonest. Which could grow into larger crimes like embezzlement or grand theft.

My husband then told us of an experience he had the last time he went to the grocery store. He was buying Macintosh apples and the girl at the register rang them up as Gala apples. The gala apples were only .98¢ per pound. The Macintosh were $1.98 per pound. He stopped her and said no these are the Macintosh apples, they cost more. She then corrected the error with the higher price. He paid and thought nothing more of it.

We discussed having a free conscious when you are being honest in your dealings. If he had left knowing he got the apples at the wrong price he could have felt very smug about the money he "saved". The difference is what it does to the heart and soul of a person as you accept a little sin. You can justify your position all you want, but the Lord truly does know what's going on in our hearts. Was your intent to be honest, or to be clever and get ahead?

Day 2808