The scriptures speak often of the constraints and difficulties of communicating spiritual truths through man-made language. In the Book of Mormon, we read:
“And I know the record which I make to be a just and a true record; nevertheless there are many things which, according to our language, we are not able to write.” (3 Nephi 5:18)
Moroni wrote similarly, sounding somewhat insecure as he concluded his abridgement of the Jaredite record:
“…when we write we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words; and I fear lest the Gentiles shall mock at our words.” (Ether 12:25)
Moroni later offered valuable insights when he wrote:
“And now, behold, we have written this record according to our knowledge, in the characters which are called among us the reformed Egyptian, being handed down and altered by us, according to our manner of speech. And if our plates had been sufficiently large we should have written in Hebrew; but the Hebrew hath been altered by us also; and if we could have written in Hebrew, behold, ye would have had no imperfection in our record. But the Lord knoweth the things which we have written, and also that none other people knoweth our language; and because that none other people knoweth our language, therefore he hath prepared means for the interpretation thereof.” (Mormon 9:32-34)
Knowledge of the Savior and His gospel can be difficult to share fully with others. Despite such difficulties, the Lord knowingly provided a way for the Book of Mormon to come forth, restoring precious knowledge of His gospel in the last days. However, regardless of the fact that we have these writings today, if they are not discerned spiritually they will not reach the heart of man. Surely Paul had thought similarly when he warned:
“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Cor. 2:14)
In modern day revelation, we have been reminded:
“Neither is man capable to make them known, for they are only to be seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those who love him, and purify themselves before him” (D&C 76:116).
We must invite the Spirit into our study of the scriptures for precious gospel truths to reach our hearts and minds. As we do so, we will better come to know the Savior and His gospel. (D&C 8:2-3, 85:6; James 1:5-6; Luke 24:32; Galatians 5:22-23)