The Lord Speaks to People in Their Own Language

John W. Welch

Nephi chooses his words carefully in these three final chapters. He talks again about the plainness he had discussed before in 1 Nephi 13 and 2 Nephi 25. How many times does he say, in effect, that he is trying to deliver his message as plainly as he possible can so that people will not misunderstand?

For example, in 2 Nephi 31:3 he states: "For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding." This is good counsel for everyone teaching the gospel. This is also why missionaries are given the gift of tongues, and why it is possible that even when they struggle, somehow everyone understands what they are truly saying.

Further Reading

Book of Mormon Central, "Why Does the Lord Speak to Men "According to Their Language"? (2 Nephi 31:3)," KnoWhy 258 (January 6, 2017).

John W. Welch Notes

References