Job Loved the Scriptures

Concerning the scriptures, Job said this: "I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12). This scripture gives us a valuable insight into one of the things that contributed to Job's greatness--his love for and application of the scriptures. Surely the scriptures played a key role in helping Job to be faithful through severe adversity beyond which any of us will have to suffer.

It reminds me of the experience of Parley P. Pratt, when he received a copy of the recently translated Book of Mormon. President Hinckley related Parley's experience in the May 2001 Ensign:

"I opened it with eagerness, and read its title page. I then read the testimony of several witnesses in relation to the manner of its being found and translated. After this I commenced its contents by course. I read all day; eating was a burden, I had no desire for food; sleep was a burden when the night came, for I preferred reading to sleep.

"As I read, the spirit of the Lord was upon me, and I knew and comprehended that the book was true, as plainly and manifestly as a man comprehends and knows that he exists" (Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, ed. Parley P. Pratt Jr. [1938], 37).

I pray that each of us will go to the scriptures daily--even if only for a few minutes--and let them work upon us as they did upon Parley P. Pratt and strengthen us as they did Job. With the scriptures in our hands and hearts, coupled with faith-filled prayer and obedience to God's commandments, there is no adversity that we cannot overcome.