D&C 23

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 23

Received in April 1830 at Manchester, New York, giving brief personal counsel to five individuals: Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Joseph Smith Sr., and Joseph Knight Sr.

Scripture

Counsel to Oliver, Hyrum, and Samuel

Study note

Oliver is warned against the sin of pride, Hyrum is counseled to rely on the Spirit, and Samuel is told his sins are forgiven and to go preach.

1 Behold, I speak unto you, Oliver, a few words. Behold, thou art blessed, and art under no condemnation. But beware of pride, lest thou shouldst enter into temptation.

2 Make known thy calling unto the church, and also before the world, and thy heart shall be opened to preach the truth from henceforth and forever. Amen.

3 Behold, I speak unto you, Hyrum, a few words; for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy heart is opened, and thy tongue loosed; and thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church continually. Wherefore thy duty is unto the church forever, and this because of thy family. Amen.

4 Behold, I speak a few words unto you, Samuel; for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church; and thou art not as yet called to preach before the world. Amen.

Counsel to Joseph Smith Sr. and Joseph Knight Sr.

Study note

Joseph Sr. is told he is called to exhort and strengthen the Church, while Joseph Knight Sr. is told to take up his cross and pray vocally before others.

5 Behold, I speak a few words unto you, Joseph; for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy calling also is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church; and this is thy duty from henceforth and forever. Amen.

6 Behold, I manifest unto you, Joseph Knight, by these words, that you must take up your cross, in the which you must pray vocally before the world as well as in secret, and in your family, and among your friends, and in all places.

7 And, behold, it is your duty to unite with the true church, and give your language to exhortation continually, that you may receive the reward of the laborer. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 23

Personalized divine counselWarning against prideThe importance of vocal prayerEach person's unique duty in God's work

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 23 1 Proverbs 16:18

The warning to Oliver about pride echoes the ancient proverb that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

D&C 23 6 Matthew 6:6-7

The instruction about prayer connects to Jesus' teachings about how and why to pray, balancing private devotion with communal worship.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 23

These brief, personalized messages demonstrate that God knows each of us individually and has specific counsel for our unique circumstances. Just as Oliver needed to guard against pride while Joseph Knight needed to overcome the fear of praying publicly, each of us has personal areas where God is calling us to grow.

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