All commanded: 'be thou humble'

Publish date: 2024-05-09

"Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers. (D&C 112:10.)

Section 112 is a revelation given through Joseph Smith to Thomas B. Marsh, who was president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. At the timethe revelation was given (July 23, 1827), he was sincere in his prayers and, according to verse 3, had repented of his sins.

In Doctrine and Covenants Commentary, p. 733, is a description:

"Thomas B. Marsh was a powerful speaker. In 1836 he was a member of a committee selected to pass resolutions on behalf of the exiled saints, at a meeting at the city of Liberty. On that occasion, he spoke of the persecution the saints had suffered so eloquently that General Atchinson and others wept."

Regarding the admonition to "be thou humble," the Doctrine and Covenants Commentary continues with its description of Thomas Marsh:

"Pride was the weakness of Thomas B. Marsh. If he had been humble, he would not have fallen. He began by defying the righteous decisions of the High Council and the First Presidency, in a trivial case in which his wife was interested, and he ended by becoming a traitor to the Church."

Roy W. Doxey, in volume 2 of The Doctrine and Covenants Speaks, wrote:

"Throughout the Doctrine and Covenants there are revealed truths which, though addressed to individuals, are nonetheless applicable to all members of the Church. These scriptures are known as universal truths because of the applicability to everyone. Such is [D&C 112:10T.

"The first answer to a query by the Latter-day Saint as to why he should be humble is that God has commanded men to be humble. The benefits of being humble must also give the answer to the need for this virtue. (Matt. 7:21.) The Lord blesses the person of humility. . . .

"As the Savior ministered unto all, even to the giving of His life, so we also should become the servants of all in exercising the virtue of humility. (Matt. 20:25-28.) The apostle Paul testified that he had made himself servant of all that he might gain the more.' (1 Cor. 9:19.) Might not Latter-day Saints develop the quality of humility, as commanded, in order that they also `might gain the more,' even life eternal?"

Brother Doxey wrote further: "Among ways by which the virtue of humility may be acquired are the following: by placing one's full trust in Jesus Christ as his Atoner; by fasting and prayer; through diligent study of the plan of salvation; by being teachable; and by elimination of vices opposed to humility."

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