Old World Context: The key to understanding this entire section lies in understanding the concept behind “take no thought.” The import of the text here is that one should not have anxious thought about such things. (Robert Guelich. A Foundation for Understanding the Sermon on the Mount. Word Publishing, Dallas. 1982, p. 335). In New Testament textual tradition this section follows not long after the treasures that might be susceptible to moth and worm. It is in that context that we should understand the take no anxious thought. It is not that we should not work, but that we should not be concerned with the quality nor quantity. When paired with the saying on the treasures, these verses simply reiterate the nature of one’s “treasures.” We note that the emphasis here is on the anxious thought for clothing and food. The treasures also implied clothing and food. This section begins with a “therefore,” indicating that it is a summary of the action to be taken as the less from the previous instructions. The lesson in this case is certainly not that we should not work for clothing nor food, but that we should not be overly concerned with them. We should have clothing, but not be concerned with the quality of external appearance of our clothing.
Textual: In addition to a chapter break that does not occur at this point in the KJV, we have an addition to the text that creates a new social context for the next set of verses. At this point Jesus breaks off speaking to the multitude and shifts specifically to the disciples. This shift in context allows this next section comprising verse 25-33 to be a specific command to the twelve rather than an address to the multitude. The reason for cutting the text in this way would be the same as in the elimination of Matthew 6:11 (Give us this day our daily bread). The “problem” lies in the apparent requirement that the listeners not work for a living. By giving the command to the twelve only, this may be seen as applying to missionary work where the twelve were to travel without purse or scrip.
This shift in context is clearly inserted to resolve this problem since as soon as this section is over, the text has Jesus returning to the multitude. Although this insertion involves a description of Jesus actions in the New World, since that description is in the context of the insertion of the Old World Sermon, it is best to see this text as one of Joseph Smith’s interactions with his source text. There is a theological problem of the implication that one need not work for a living, something that is not generally correct. However, there is a context in which it was accurate, and that was for the missionary effort as practiced by the original twelve. Thus this chapter division and insertion of the text that shifts context allows for the resolution of this modern problem.