Moses 4:32; Matt. 7:6; 13:11-12; 2 Ne. 28:30; D&C 71:1; refer in this text to Alma 12:9
“The revelation that restrains is one of the most common forms of revelation. It often comes by surprise, when we have not asked for revelation or guidance on a particular subject. But if we are keeping the commandments of God and living in tune with his Spirit, a restraining force will steer us away from things we should not do. One of my first experiences in being restrained by the Spirit came soon after I was called as a counselor in a stake presidency in Chicago… . Our stake president made a proposal that our new stake center be built in a particular location… . When asked for my counsel, I opposed the proposal… . The stake president wisely proposed that each of us consider the matter prayerfully for another week… . I prayed about the subject and immediately received a strong impression that I was wrong… . Needless to say, I was restrained and promptly gave my approval … My reasons to the contrary turned out to be shortsighted, and I was soon grateful to have been restrained from relying on them… . Several years ago I picked up the desk pen in my office at BYU to sign a paper that had been prepared for my signature… . As I went to sign the document, I was filled with such negative thoughts and forebodings that I put it to one side and asked for the entire matter to be reviewed again. It was, and within a few days additional facts came to light which showed that the proposed course of action would have caused the university serious problems in the future.” (Dallin H. Oaks, BYU Devotional & Fireside Speeches, 1981-1982, pp. 20-26)