Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Against Wisdom, Part 6: More Precious than Silver

How much better is it to get wisdom than gold, and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

—Proverbs 2:200 RE

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7

When we consider the long and distinguished history of our scripture, it’s almost unavoidable to stand all amazed at the Lord’s masterful planning and execution. Despite the opposition, despite Satan’s best efforts, despite all the combined powers of earth and hell, we yet have an adequate record! And not just an adequate record, but one specifically designed, prepared and protected for our day to play the key role in fulfilling God’s covenants.

We must marvel at God’s power and mercy. We’re left to contemplate what sort of being God is. In doing so, we obtain a more correct idea of God’s character, perfections and attributes, as manifested by this marvelous work. It is indeed a wonder—and perhaps we’re left to wonder, “who did this?” Of course, it’s easy to simply say, “God did it.” And this is true enough. But there may be more to consider. 


Here’s a curiosity:


The Book of Mormon goes to some trouble to record the guiding force behind all the miraculous means and turns of event that contributed to the triumph of this incredible record. Consider the following events, which we listed in Part 5 of this series, with one addition. I’ve added the explanations given by the Book of Mormon regarding each event. I realize there’s a lot here to consider, but it will be worth your time to read through each explanation carefully.



Event

Explanation

Obtaining the Plates of Brass from Laban’s treasury

And behold, it is wisdom in God that we should obtain these records that we may preserve unto our children the language of our fathers, and also that we may preserve unto them the words which have been spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets...

Carrying the record into the wilderness

And we had obtained the record which the Lord had commanded us and searched them and found that they were desirable, yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children. Wherefore, it was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry them with us as we journeyed in the wilderness toward the land of promise.

Making a second set of plates to replace the future lost manuscript

And after I made these plates by way of commandment, I, Nephi, received a commandment that the ministry and the prophecies—the more plain and precious parts of them—should be written upon these plates, and that the things which were written should be kept for the instruction of my people, who should possess the land, and also for other wise purposes, which purposes are known unto the Lord...Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not.

Preserving the records in the promised land through a line of record keepers

And now, it has hitherto been wisdom in God that these things should be preserved. For behold, they have enlarged the memory of this people, yea, and convinced many of the error of their ways and brought them to the knowledge of their God, unto the salvation of their souls...Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me, therefore I shall forbear. And it may suffice if I only say they are preserved for a wise purpose, which purpose is known unto God; for he doth counsel in wisdom over all his works, and his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.

Keeping the sacred records from generation to generation

And I also command you that ye keep a record of this people according as I have done, upon the plates of Nephi, and keep all these things sacred which I have kept, even as I have kept them—for it is for a wise purpose that they are kept—and these plates of brass which contain these engravings, which have the records of the holy scriptures upon them, which have the genealogy of our forefathers, even from the beginning.

Carefully choosing the successor record keepers

And now remember, my son, that God has entrusted you with these things which are sacred, which he has kept sacred, and also which he will keep and preserve for a wise purpose in him, that he may show forth his power unto future generations.

Promising the future preservation of the record

for God is powerful to the fulfilling of all his words. For he will fulfill all his promises which he shall make unto you, for he has fulfilled his promise which he has made unto our fathers. For he promised unto them that he would preserve these things for a wise purpose in him, that he might shew forth his power unto future generations.

Defending the records against destruction by those who vowed to destroy them

Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me, therefore I shall forbear. And it may suffice if I only say they are preserved for a wise purpose, which purpose is known unto God; for he doth counsel in wisdom over all his works, and his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.

Amplifying the record by adding specifics needed by future generations

These scriptures which ye had not with you, the Father commanded that I should give unto you, for it was wisdom in him that they should be given unto future generations.

Preventing translation and inclusion of certain information

Therefore, touch them not in order that ye may translate, for that thing is forbidden you, except by and by it shall be wisdom in God. And behold, ye may be privileged that ye may shew the plates unto those who shall assist to bring forth this work.

Intentionally exposing the errors of past generations in hopes we would avoid their mistakes

Wherefore, O ye gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shewn unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you

Adding the small plates to the large plates abridgment

But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren. And I do this for a wise purpose, for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now I do not know all things, but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.

Setting up a free Gentile nation where these things could come forth and spread to all the world

for it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father, that these things might come forth from them unto a remnant of your seed, that the covenant of the Father may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted with his people, O house of Israel

Foreseeing and controlling the eventual audience of the book

Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things,




As I’m sure you’re aware, the image of God is a male and a female, joined together as one.
Knowledge personifies the divine masculine and Wisdom personifies the divine feminine. Given the above, we should now have a much clearer picture of who gathered, protected and nurtured the collection of sacred writings, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. 


It was her. Heavenly Mother. The divine feminine. She has done this. One of the greatest miracles of this creation, and she seeks no credit, desires no acclaim, and works quietly, unheralded and unnoticed behind the scenes of this creation, ensuring her children have the words of eternal life. It is a miracle.


It’s frankly astonishing we have not noticed this before. You see, every time the Book of Mormon uses the phrase, “It is wisdom in God that…” the resulting action has to do with preparing and preserving scripture. 


Every. 

Single. 

Time. 


And the same goes for all the title variations, like “It is wisdom in the Father” or “It is wisdom in the Lord.” If the Wisdom of God is mentioned, it always, invariably has to do with scripture.


The same occurs with “for a wise purpose.” Invariably, if something is done “for a wise purpose” in the Book of Mormon, the thing being done has to do with preparing and preserving scripture for the future. 


Every. 

Single.

Time.


Therefore, it should be clear to those with eyes to see that the Divine Feminine is far more intimately involved in the revelation, creation, transmission, planning, preservation, and presentation of scripture than we ever realize. In fact, this turns one criticism of scripture on its head: Why don’t we have more female voices represented in scripture? 


Given that scripture is the product of her mind, her planning, her wisdom, her direction, and her production, we’re left to conclude the scriptures are largely a feminine testimony, testifying most abundantly and clearly of her Son. True, the Holy Order laborers whose names we have are males, but it’s important to realize their boss was a woman, and they were all working for her, at her direction. The factory workers may be men, but the CEO is a woman.


Consider the following quotes:

Our scriptures speak carefully about the existence and importance of a Heavenly Mother, a Divine Female whose greatest attribute is to bestow wisdom upon the whole of this creation. It is possible to miss Her presence. That cultural and theological blindness is not because of Her absence from the scriptures. It's not hard to detect Her if you look. We just don’t look. (Denver Snuffer, “Our Divine Parents,” p 2-3)

A great deal can be learned about Heavenly Mother by searching for the word wisdom in scripture. Very often, the reference to wisdom is to Her distinctly and not merely an abstract attribute. If we are blind to Her existence, we cannot see the reference to Her in those passages. Although many scriptures have the Divine Mother’s words, Her presence is veiled by our ignorance and refusal to acknowledge Her.  (“Our Divine Parents,” p 6)

The Father is the source of glory and likened to the sun. The Mother reflects and shares this glory and is likened to the moon. She reflects God’s glory, endures within it, and is empowered by it. She can participate with Him in all that is done wielding that glory. Knowledge is the initiator or force, and wisdom is the regulator, guide, apportioner, and weaver of that power. If not tempered and guided by wisdom, knowledge can be destructive. Wisdom makes the prudent adaptation required for order. The Father and Mother are one. But the Mother bridges the gulf between the Throne of the Father and fallen man. (“Our Divine Parents,” p 14)

There are seven stages of development through which God’s children must pass. It is not all to be done in this life. Christ is the prototype of the saved man, and He qualified by passing through these stages of development. We should not be surprised that the Heavenly Mother was responsible for planning and creating these developmental opportunities for Her children.  (“Our Divine Parents,” p 23)

Hopefully, this understanding, combined with the numerous, direct references to Divine Wisdom from the Book of Mormon, above, will help us re-calibrate our understanding of, expectations for, and knowledge about scripture. We’re dealing with something far more sacred, powerful and carefully, lovingly prepared than we might realize. We are dealing with Wisdom indeed! We should be humbled to the dust upon realizing we’re the beneficiaries of such an effort by a loving Mother, who seeks to nurture and teach her children. It is difficult to stand all amazed when you have fallen to your knees. 


Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding; for the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you can desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand, riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and happy is everyone that retains her. The Lord, by wisdom, has founded the earth; by understanding has he established the heavens; by his knowledge, the depths are broken up and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, do not let them depart from your eyes.
—Proverbs 1:11 RE

2 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  2. It was Rachel's son, Joseph, that would carry the priesthood line that was restored in Lehi, Nephi, and the Nephite prophets that God brought to the American continent. We learn in Ether that the Hill Cumorah was known as "Ramah" to the Jaredites, and Moroni was aware of the name Ramah at the time of his recordings in the Book of Mormon. Cumorah was the place where Rachel's children, and the Nephite civilization, were ultimately destroyed. But it was also the place where the Book of Mormon sprung forth by the gift and power of God. Part of its purpose is to adopt repentant gentiles into a covenant as the seed of Lehi, as well as to restore the blood descendants of Lehi (Lamanites) back into their rightful covenant status. Rachel and Wisdom surely would be comforted to have their children restored to them through covenant. The Book of Mormon is part of the covenant means to do that. We have a great work still left to do that was prophecied of. It seems Jeremiah prophecied of this in Jeremiah 12:7

    "Thus says the Lord: A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel, weeping for her children, refused to be comforted for her children because they were not. Thus says the Lord: Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord, and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in your end, says the Lord, that your children shall come again to their own border. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus: You have chastised me, and I was chastised as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke. Turn me, and I shall be turned, for you are the Lord my God. Surely after I was turned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh. I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth."

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