Scriptures are of little value unless they are searched. They are useful if they are “read,” but the term “search” implies something totally different. To “search” is to try to understand, to look for personal meaning, to understand historical context, to reference other sources, to find resolution to conflicts, and to internalize principles. Had the sons of Mosiah “read” the scriptures, though they may have read them one hundred times, they would not have had the power that they received by searching them diligently. The Lord has never commanded the saints to “read” the scriptures; He always commands them to “search” them: search them diligently that ye may profit (Mosiah 1:7)….and search these things diligently, for great are the words of Isaiah (3 Nephi 23:1). The result of diligent searching is that one becomes as the sons of Mosiah who had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth.
Howard W. Hunter
“To understand requires more than casual reading or perusal—there must be concentrated study….Not only should we study each day, but there should be a regular time set aside when we can concentrate without interference…The important thing is to allow nothing else to ever interfere with our study….There are some who read to a schedule of a number of pages or a set number of chapters each day or week….It is better to have a set amount of time to give scriptural study each day than to have a set amount of chapters to read. Sometimes we find that the study of a single verse will occupy the whole time.” (Ensign, Nov. 1979, pp. 64-5 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, pp. 279-80)
Joseph Smith
“Search the scriptures-search the revelations which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to his glory nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation. No; for when men receive their instruction from Him that made them, they know how He will save them. Then again we say: Search the Scriptures, search the Prophets and learn what portion of them belongs to you.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 11)
Thomas S. Monson
“May I suggest…a formula [in missionary work] that will ensure your success: Search the scriptures with diligence!…Your confidence will be directly related to your knowledge of God’s word. Oh...I am sure you have heard of some missionaries who were lazy, less than effective, and anxious for their missions to conclude. A careful examination of such instances will reveal that the actual culprit is not laziness, nor disinterest, but is the foe known as fear. Our Father chastised such: ’…with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man (DC 60:2).’” (Conference Reports, Oct. 1969, pp. 93-4 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 279)
Ezra Taft Benson
“We should make daily study of the scriptures a lifetime pursuit…The most important [thing] you can do…is to immerse yourselves in the scriptures. Search them diligently…Learn the doctrine. Master the principles…You must…see that…searching the scriptures is not a burden laid upon [us] by the Lord, but a marvelous blessing and opportunity.” (Ensign, Nov. 1986, p. 47 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 280)