“The scriptures have been written to preserve principles for our benefit”

(President Marion G. Romney, Ensign, Sept. 1980, 4).

What exactly are principles? Elder Richard G. Scott explained that “Principles are concentrated truth, packaged for application to a wide variety of circumstances. A true principle makes decisions clear even under the most confusing and compelling circumstances” (Ensign, Nov. 1993, 86).

One of the most helpful purposes I have had in my scripture study is to look for principles as I read. How can we find principles as we study the scriptures? Some principles are easy to find because the scripture highlights them with a phrase like “because” or “therefore.” For example, in Mosiah 5:15 King Benjamin says,

Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all.

I found a principle using the key word “therefore”—“I should be steadfast and immovable and constant in doing good things.” This principle has many applications and can help me choose to constantly (instead of occasionally) study my scriptures, say my prayers, be kind to my siblings, or do other good things.

Many principles are plainly written in the scriptures. For example, “wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10) or “the righteous need not fear” (1 Nephi 22:17). Principles are not found only in the standard works. The For the Strength of Youth pamphlet is full of them! Consider the following:

“Ask yourself, ‘Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?’” (16).

“Do not attend, view, or participate in entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way” (17).

“Before marriage, do not do anything to arouse the powerful emotions that must be expressed only in marriage” (27).

“Your dress before, during, and after church meetings should show respect for the Sabbath” (32).

All of these statements are “concentrated truth, packaged for application to a wide variety of circumstances.”

Although many principles are highlighted with words like “nevertheless” or are plainly written in the scriptures, the scriptures contain many principles that are harder to find. Like a gold digger pans for gold, we must search for principles. One key to finding principles is to look for if…then statements (explicit or implicit). For example, in Alma 30:60 we read, “the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.” Possible principles: “If I want support at the last day then I should not follow the devil” or “When faced with temptation I should remember that Satan will not support me in the end.”

How can you find principles? The following three suggestions will help:

1. Read between the lines

2. Pause to ask questions.

3. Re-write the principles in your own words.

First—read between the lines. Elder Richard G. Scott said, “As you seek spiritual knowledge, search for principles. Carefully separate [the principles] from the detail used to explain them” (Ensign, Nov. 1993, 87).

An example of reading between the lines, or separating the principles from the storyline can be found in 3 Nephi 11. After His resurrection, Christ visited the people on the American continent. He descended down from heaven and introduced himself to the Nephites. Then, he invited each of them to come and feel the prints of the nails in His hands and in His feet. In verses 14 and 15 we read:

[The Savior said to the people] Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come

This is a beautiful experience. Now let’s try to separate out some of the details of the account, and find a principle. There were 2,500 people in the multitude (see 3 Nephi 17:25). That’s a lot of people! And yet Christ invited each of them to approach Him individually, or as the verse says, “one by one.” A principle from this could then be “Christ cares about me individually,” or, “If I feel discouraged, then I can remember the Savior loves me, individually.”

A significant part of reading between the lines is reading the scriptural passage more than once. Most likely, the first time you read a chapter you will be so focused on understanding the story line and who is doing what that you will be less able to separate principles from the details. I find that when I read a chapter once to understand, and then a second and third time looking for principles I find many treasures that I missed the first time through.

A second thing we should do in order to find hidden principles is to pause in our scripture reading and ask ourselves questions  like, “What can I learn from this situation?” or “What is the author of this passage trying to teach?” “Why was this verse included in the scriptures?”

A third aid to finding principles is to rewrite what you find from the scriptures in your own words. This helps you pull principles from the verses and put them in a form that is meaningful to you. Write down these principles in the margins of your scriptures. You might be nervous to write in your scriptures, but it is okay—they are your scriptures! Writing can help you formulate your thoughts and articulate principles. As you write out principles, keep these two ideas in mind:

1. Effective principles are often complete sentences. Although you might be able to phrase some principles in just one word I find that complete sentences are easier to apply.

2. Effective principles are often short sentences. If a principle becomes too long it can be difficult to understand.

For example, compare the following three principles:

1. Obedience (Alma 57:21-22).

2. If I obey with exactness then I will be successful (Alma 57:21-22).

3. In order to live a celestial life and to prepare adequately to meet my Maker, I must strive to harmonize my life with each commandment and in so doing purify myself in every respect (Alma 57:21-22).

Although each of these statements could be considered “principles,” the first isn’t really a “statement.” It is one word, and doesn’t suggest immediate application. The third principle is too wordy—it is so difficult to read that many will not be able to apply it. The second option is short, specific, and invites application.

Another important point about the principle, “If I obey with exactness then I will be successful” is that it focuses on a unique aspect of Alma 57:21. Many verses teach the importance of obedience; however, Alma 57:21 is the only time in all of the scriptures that the word “exactness” is used.

You probably noticed that many of the above principles had a format such as “If I ___________, then ____________.” (Like “If I do bad things, then I will be less able to feel the influence of the Holy Ghost”). Another format for many principles is “When I _____________ then ___________.” (Like, “When I listen to good music, I will be more likely to feel the Holy Ghost.”)

Principles don’t have to be put in this format, but I have found that, especially at first, it makes it easier both to find and apply principles. In addition, using the first person (“If I…” instead of “If we…” or “if you…”) makes it easier for me to apply the principle.

Let’s practice finding principles. Read (or reread) Alma chapter 47, specifically looking for principles. which is about Amalickiah, a wicked man who tried to become king of the Nephites. When Amalickiah was rejected by the Nephites, he went to stir up contention amongst the Lamanites. I know it’s a little extra work to go get your own scriptures, but trust me, it will be worth it. Before you keep reading this, read Alma 47—read the whole chapter to get an understanding of what’s happening.

***

Did you finish? We’ll focus on verses 10-18, although we could pick any verses from the chapter and find great principles. Re-read Alma 47:10-18 and look for principles. Remember to separate the principles from the detail used to explain them. Stop and ask yourself some questions. Write down the principles you find in your scriptures. Then I’ll tell you what principles I found from these verses, but try it on your own before reading further.

***

Ready? Before we go on, remember that everybody finds different principles from the scriptures. If you found the same principles I found, great! If you found different principles, great! The important thing is that you find principles that help you in the situations you face. As I reread these verses, a question I asked myself was, “What words or phrases stand out to me in these verses?” I italicized these words and in most cases they helped me identify principles.

Verse 10

“And it came to pass that when it was night he sent a secret embassy into the mount Antipas, desiring that the leader of those who were upon the mount, whose name was Lehonti, that he should come down to the foot of the mount, for he desired to speak with him.”

Principle: When someone tries to get me to do things “in the dark” or “in secret” I should be extra cautious.

Principle: Satan and his followers will try to get me to “come down” (or lower my standards).

Verse 11

“And it came to pass that when Lehonti received the message he durst not go down to the foot of the mount. And it came to pass that Amalickiah sent again the second time, desiring him to come down. And it came to pass that Lehonti would not; and he sent again the third time.”

Principle: I need to continually refuse temptation.

Verse 12

“And it came to pass that when Amalickiah found that he could not get Lehonti to come down off from the mount, he went up into the mount, nearly to Lehonti’s camp; and he sent again the fourth time his message unto Lehonti, desiring that he would come down, and that he would bring his guards with him.”

Principle: If Satan can’t get me to “go all the way down” (a big sin), then he will try to get me to come down just a little (start doing little sins.)

Principle: Satan will try to lure me into feeling safe in his territory.

Verse 13

“And it came to pass that when Lehonti had come down with his guards to Amalickiah, that Amalickiah desired him to come down with his army in the night–time, and surround those men in their camps over whom the king had given him command, and that he would deliver them up into Lehonti’s hands, if he would make him (Amalickiah) a second leader over the whole army”

Principle: If I am offered a deal that seems too good to be true, I should be extra cautious (why would Amalickiah offer to surrender?)

Verses 14 – 16

“And it came to pass that Lehonti came down with his men and surrounded the men of Amalickiah, so that before they awoke at the dawn of day they were surrounded by the armies of Lehonti. And it came to pass that when they saw that they were surrounded, they plead with Amalickiah that he would suffer them to fall in with their brethren, that they might not be destroyed. Now this was the very thing which Amalickiah desired. And it came to pass that he delivered his men, contrary to the commands of the king. Now this was the thing that Amalickiah desired, that he might accomplish his designs in dethroning the king.

Principle: The devil is tricky—don’t think you can outsmart him!

Verses 17-18

“Now it was the custom among the Lamanites, if their chief leader was killed, to appoint the second leader to be their chief leader. And it came to pass that Amalickiah caused that one of his servants should administer poison by degrees to Lehonti, that he died.

Principle: Satan uses others to accomplish his work.

Principle: Satan works “by degrees” gradually tempting us to do worse and worse things.

Principle: If I don’t protect myself from even small amounts spiritual poison, then I may die spiritually.

Wow, that was fun! We only looked at nine verses from one chapter in the Book of Mormon and still found many principles that we can apply in our lives. I hope you can see that the scriptures are full of principles.

Now that we have all of these principles, we should take time to ponder and reflect on how they could apply in our lives, and what things we could do to put them into practice.

The scriptures are full of principles to help you gain guidance and growth. Get excited about finding principles, and make a record of the principles you find and how you apply them. Remember the words of Elder Richard G. Scott: “As you seek spiritual knowledge, search for principles” (Ensign, Nov. 1993, 86).

If you’re interested, try the following activities to practice your skills of matching principles.

Matching Principles

Directions: Look up each of the following verses and match them to one of the below principles.

Example: 1 Samuel 16:23 goes with the principle “When I listen to good music, I will be more likely to feel the Holy Ghost.”

1. 1 Samuel 16:23 _____C____

2. John 7:17 __________

3. 1 Nephi 18:11-12 __________

4. Doctrine and Covenants 59:6 __________

5. Doctrine and Covenants 82:3 __________

6. Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-11 __________

7. Alma 39:4, 39:13, 42:30 __________

8. Alma 48:7-9 __________

9. Matthew 12:36 __________

10. Alma 57:21-22 __________

11. Alma 37:37 __________

12. Alma 59:9 __________

A. If I obey with exactness then I will be successful.

B. If I do bad things, then I will be less able to feel the influence of the Holy Ghost.

C. When I listen to good music, I will be more likely to feel the Holy Ghost.

D. It is easier to maintain good habits, than to get into bad habits and then try to switch back to good habits.

E. I should strengthen myself in the areas in which I am weak.

F. If I want to know if a teaching is true, I should live the teaching—then I will know.

G. I will be held accountable for the things I say.

H. I should not excuse or justify myself based on the actions of others.

I. If I do not forgive, then I have committed a greater sin than the person who offended me.

J. Where much is given, much is required.

K. When I wake up in the morning, I should offer a prayer of gratitude.

L. I should not do anything that comes close to committing sexual sin.

**Answers**

a. 1 Samuel 16:23 ____C_____

b. John 7:17 ____F_____

c. 1 Nephi 18:11-12 ____B_____

d. Doctrine and Covenants 59:6 ____L_____

e. Doctrine and Covenants 82:3 ____J_____

f. Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-11 ____I_____

g. Alma 39:4, 39:13, 42:30 ____H_____

h. Alma 48:7-9 ____E_____

i. Matthew 12:36 ____G_____

j. Alma 57:21-22 ____A_____

k. Alma 37:37 ____K_____

l. Alma 59:9 ____D_____

Finding Principles

Directions: Read the following verses and write down a principle that you find from each verse.

Alma 24:17-18

And now it came to pass that when the king had made an end of these sayings, and all the people were assembled together, they took their swords, and all the weapons which were used for the shedding of man’s blood, and they did bury them up deep in the earth.

And this they did, it being in their view a testimony to God, and also to men, that they never would use weapons again for the shedding of man’s blood; and this they did, vouching and covenanting with God, that rather than shed the blood of their brethren they would give up their own lives; and rather than take away from a brother they would give unto him; and rather than spend their days in idleness they would labor abundantly with their hands.

Your Principle(s)

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Alma 14:26-28

And Alma cried, saying: How long shall we suffer these great ^aafflictions, O Lord? O Lord, ^bgive us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto ^cdeliverance. And they broke the cords with which they were bound; and when the people saw this, they began to flee, for the fear of destruction had come upon them.

And it came to pass that so great was their fear that they fell to the earth, and did not obtain the outer door of the ^aprison; and the earth shook mightily, and the walls of the prison were rent in twain, so that they fell to the earth; and the chief judge, and the lawyers, and priests, and teachers, who smote upon Alma and Amulek, were slain by the fall thereof.

And Alma and Amulek came forth out of the prison, and they were not hurt; for the Lord had granted unto them ^apower, according to their faith which was in Christ. And they straightway came forth out of the prison; and they were ^bloosed from their ^cbands; and the prison had fallen to the earth, and every soul within the walls thereof, save it were Alma and Amulek, was slain; and they straightway came forth into the city.

Your Principle(s)

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jacob 2:18-19

But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.

And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to ^ado good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.

Your Principle(s)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Answers to Finding Principles

Directions: Read the following verses and write down a principle that you find from each verse. You can find more than one.

Note—because the scriptures contain many principles you may have found different principles than I did. That is great!

Alma 24:17-18: Principles I Found

· If I have items that are destructive (bad movies, music) I should get rid of them.

· When I repent I should bury my sins “deep in the earth” by making deep changes in my life.

· To fully repent I need to completely turn away from my former sins.

Alma 14:26-28: Principles I Found

· When I cry to the Lord He will answer me.

· When I pray, I should pray for increased strength to handle my trials.

· If I make wrong choices, I will feel fear and will not succeed.

Jacob 2:18-19: Principles I Found

· When I am faced with a choice between seeking the world or God, I should put God first.

· If I receive riches, then I should use them to bless the lives of others.