Week 36- Knowledge, Understanding and Intelligence  

Scriptures:

Mosiah 12:27

D&C 68: 25-26

D&C 130: 18-19

2 Ne 33:1

Alma 17: 2-3

D&C 88: 118

James 1:22

Mosiah 4:10

3 Ne:27: 20-22

Matt 7: 21-29

General Conference Address:  

“If Ye Had Known Me” Elder Bednar CR 10/2016  

Thought:

Elder Bednar teaches the following in his book Increase in Learning. KNOWLEDGE is a matter of the mind. It is the acquisition of facts and the ability to identify objects and concepts. It is acquired through study and experience. For example, you can learn the fact that a little black bead inside an apple is called a seed. UNDERSTANDING is a matter of the heart and is the comprehension of a fact in the mind with a confirmation in our hearts. For example, beyond knowing what a seed is, understanding says that if I plant this seed, nourish it, care for and mind it, then it will produce a tree that will eventually yield fruit. INTELLIGENCE is a matter of character and becoming, and deals with laws and the relationship of systems in various processes. It is the [righteous] application of both action and judgment. Intelligent people consistently do the right and appropriate things that yield favorable results. For example; Because I planted the seed in the right spot at the right time and cared for it with the right amount of water and fertilizer, I now have fruit that I can and do eat on a daily basis to sustain life. I also understand that the tree has seasons and that if I want apples in December, I must plan accordingly. Knowledge is the cornerstone of the foundation. It must be true, properly oriented, and perfectly accurate to be useful. Understanding is the keystone in the door arch. Precision, timing, placement, and proper application of physics and architecture must be employed to make it work well. Intelligence is the capstone on the temple of our character and is the result of sustained effort, selfless sacrifice, higher learning, interconnected and interrelated systems, and results in great creations and desirable design. 

Misc:

“Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.”— Miles Kington

Invitation: 

In your own words, explain how one gains knowledge. Then, understanding. Finally, intelligence. How can this clarification help you as you guide others on the covenant path? How does a misunderstanding of these truths lead to people leaving the church?