“Seek Not to Counsel the Lord”

George Reynolds, Janne M. Sjodahl

There are some among us who are critical of all things. "The lot of mankind," they say, "could be better." The seasons are wrong; disease, famine, pestilence, should be banished from amongst us. All is not good that seems so. Pain and perplexity come penally and punishing. They think to "check over the plans and OK the blueprints of Creation." They would advise the maker, forgetting that he created all in wisdom, and in justice and great mercy he presideth over all things.

In the Hebrew Scriptures is this wonderful statement. "The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens." (Proverbs 3:19) Also you will find this beautiful piece of Hebrew poetry; in it wisdom speaks, using the personal pronoun, I.

"The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

"I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning or ever the earth was.

"When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

"Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth;

"While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

"When he prepared the heavens, was I there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

"When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

"When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundation of the earth:

"Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him." (Proverbs 8:22-30)

"Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand."

Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

References