“The Show of Their Countenance”

Church Educational System

Righteousness and wickedness affect both attitude and appearance. President Brigham Young (1801–77) said, “Those who have got the forgiveness of their sins have countenances that look bright, and they will shine with the intelligence of heaven” (“Speech,” Times and Seasons, July 1, 1845, 956).

President David O. McKay (1873–1970) taught: “No man can disobey the word of God and not suffer for so doing. No sin, however secret, can escape retribution. True, you may lie and not be detected; you may violate virtue without it being known by any who would scandalize you; yet you cannot escape the judgment that follows such transgression. The lie is lodged in the recesses of your mind, an impairment of your character that will reflect sometime, somehow in your countenance or bearing” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1951, 8).

Jeremiah wrote that the people had become so sinful that they lost their ability to blush (see Jeremiah 6:15).

Book of Mormon Student Manual (2009 Edition)

References