110+ Ezra Taft Benson Quotes On Freedom, Book Of Mormon And Government

Ezra Taft Benson was an American religious leader, politician, and farmer who served as the 15th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1985 until his death in 1994. He was also the United States Secretary of Agriculture from 1953 to 1961 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Benson was a prominent leader in the conservative wing of the Republican Party and was an outspoken advocate for family values and religious freedom. Following is our collection on famous quotes by Ezra Taft Benson on freedom, book of mormon, government.

Top 10 Ezra Taft Benson Quotes

1. Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right.
2. The more we express our gratitude to God for our blessings, the more he will bring to our mind other blessings. The more we are aware of to be grateful for, the happier we become.
3. The greatest test of life is obedience to God.
4. Since man created government to help secure and safeguard [inalienable] rights [from God], it follows that man is superior to government and should remain master over it, not the other way around.
5. Happy and successful homes cannot be built on immorality.
6. When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power.
7. It is better to prepare and prevent than it is to repair and repent.
8. He who kneels before God, can stand before any man.
9. I have little need to remind you that water has become one of our major national concerns.
10. True repentance involves a change of heart and not just a change of behavior.

Ezra Taft Benson Short Quotes

• Bad experience is a school that only fools keep going to.
• Man is at his best when complimented by the influence of a good woman.
• It is the mark of a truly educated man to know what not to read.
• The secret of a happy marriage is to serve God and each other.
• The deepest joys and blessings in life are associated with family, parenthood, and sacrifice.
• Be right, and then be easy to live with, if possible, but in that order.
• Without goals our efforts may be scattered and unproductive.
• We do not find the Savior using force or coercion to accomplish His purposes.
• Some of the greatest battles will be fought within the silent chambers of your own soul.
• In a home where there is an able-bodied husband, he is expected to be the breadwinner.

Ezra Taft Benson Quotes About Freedom

Ours is a representative republic with a Constitution in which is recognized the natural law and the natural rights of man. It is a republic with a spiritual foundation characterized by freedom - freedom for the individual and for his society. — Ezra Taft Benson

The devil knows that if the elders of Israel should ever wake up, they could step forth and help preserve freedom and extend the gospel. Therefore the devil has concentrated, and to a large extent successfully, in neutralizing much of the priesthood. He has reduced them to Sleeping Giants. — Ezra Taft Benson

Freedom is an eternal principle. Heaven disapproves of force, coercion and intimidation. Only a free people can be truly a happy people. — Ezra Taft Benson

For the past two centuries, those who do not prize freedom have chipped away at every major clause of our Constitution until today we face a crisis of great dimensions. — Ezra Taft Benson

Freedom can be killed by neglect as well as by direct attack. — Ezra Taft Benson

To the patriots I say this: Take that long eternal look. Stand up for freedom, no matter what the cost. Stand up and be counted. It can help to save your soul-and maybe your country. — Ezra Taft Benson

Freedom must be continually guarded as something more priceless than life itself. — Ezra Taft Benson

There could not be a restoration of the gospel without freedom. God provided this country as the base of his operations in these the last days, a place where there would be freedom, where he could restore his gospel. — Ezra Taft Benson

[The Constitution] will not be saved in Washington. It will be saved by the citizens of this nation who love and cherish freedom...men and women who will subscribe to and abide the principles of the Constitution. — Ezra Taft Benson

A secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries is increasing in its evil influence and control over America and the entire world. — Ezra Taft Benson

Ezra Taft Benson Quotes About Book Of Mormon

The time is long overdue for a massive flooding of the earth with the Book of Mormon for the many reasons which the Lord has given. In this age of electronic media and mass distribution of the printed word, God will hold us accountable if we do not now move the Book of Mormon in a monumental way. — Ezra Taft Benson

We do not have to prove the Book of Mormon is true. The book is its own proof. — Ezra Taft Benson

The Book of Mormon is also the keystone of the doctrine of the Resurrection. As mentioned before, the Lord Himself has stated that the Book of Mormon contains the "fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ". — Ezra Taft Benson

From the Book of Mormon we learn how disciples of Christ live in times of war. — Ezra Taft Benson

The Book of Mormon was written for us today. God is the author of the book. It is a record of a fallen people, compiled by inspired men for our blessing today. Those people never had the book. It was meant for us. — Ezra Taft Benson

Now we not only need to say more about the Book of Mormon, but we need to do more with it. — Ezra Taft Benson

A missionary who is inspired by the Spirit of the Lord must be led by that Spirit to choose the proper approach to be effective. We must not forget that the Lord Himself provided the Book of Mormon as His chief witness. The Book of Mormon is still our most powerful missionary tool. Let us use it. — Ezra Taft Benson

I have a vision of the whole Church getting nearer to God by abiding by the precepts of the Book of Mormon. — Ezra Taft Benson

Ezra Taft Benson Quotes About Government

When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities. — Ezra Taft Benson

Today the devil as a wolf in supposedly a new suit of sheep’s clothing is enticing some men to parrot his line by advocating planned government guaranteed security at the expense of our liberties. — Ezra Taft Benson

That the sole object and only legitimate end of government is to protect the citizen in the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property, and when the government assumes other functions it is usurpation and oppression. — Ezra Taft Benson

Our Father in Heaven planned the coming forth of the Founding Fathersand their form of government as the necessary great prologue leading to the restoration of the gospel... America, the land of liberty, was to be the Lord's latter-day base of operations for His restored church. — Ezra Taft Benson

The God of heaven sent some of His choicest spirits to lay the foundation of this government. And he has sent other choice spirits to preserve it. — Ezra Taft Benson

Rights are either God-given as part of the divine plan, or they are granted by government as part of the political plan. If we accept the premise that human rights are granted by government, then we must be willing to accept the corollary that they can be denied by government. — Ezra Taft Benson

Ezra Taft Benson Quotes About Pride

One of Satan's greatest tools is pride: to cause a man or a woman to center so much attention on self that he or she becomes insensitive to his Creator or fellow beings. It is a cause for discontent, divorce, teenage rebellion, family indebtedness, and most other problems we face. — Ezra Taft Benson

Pride is characterized by "What do I want out of life?" rather than by "What would God have me do with my life?" It is self-will as opposed to God's will. It is the fear of man over the fear of God. — Ezra Taft Benson

The proud wish God would agree with them. They are not interested in changing their opinions to agree with God's. — Ezra Taft Benson

We can choose to humble ourselves by conquering enmity toward our brothers and sisters, esteeming them as ourselves, and lifting them as high or higher than we are. . . . — Ezra Taft Benson

Some prideful people are not so concerned as to whether their wages meet their needs as they are that their wages are more than someone else’s. Their reward is being a cut above the rest. This is the enmity of pride. — Ezra Taft Benson

Pride... limits or stops progression. The proud are not easily taught. They won't change their minds to accept truths, because to do so implies they have been wrong. — Ezra Taft Benson

Selfishness is one of the more common faces of pride. 'How everything affects me' is the center of all that matters-self-conceit, self-pity, worldly self-fulfillment, self-gratification, and self-seeking. — Ezra Taft Benson

Pride is the great stumbling block of Zion...Pride is ugly; it says if you succeed I am a failure...Pride is basically competitive in nature. When competition ends, pride ends. — Ezra Taft Benson

Pride adversely affects all our relationships - our relationship with God and His servants, between husband and wife, parent and child, employer and employee, teacher and student, and all mankind. — Ezra Taft Benson

Pride is the great stumbling block of Zion. I repeat: Pride is the great stumbling block of Zion. — Ezra Taft Benson

Ezra Taft Benson Quotes About Faithful

Some men are willing to die for their faith but will not fully live for it. Christ both lived and died for us. By walking in his steps and through his atonement we can gain the greatest gift of all--eternal life--which is that kind of life of the great Eternal One, our Father in heaven. — Ezra Taft Benson

To the humble, the Lord has given this promise: "If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me." — Ezra Taft Benson

Unless we do his teachings, we do not demonstrate faith in him. — Ezra Taft Benson

Only Jesus Christ is uniquely qualified to provide that hope, that confidence, and that strength we need to overcome the world and rise above our human failings. To do so, we must place our faith in Him and live by His laws and teachings. — Ezra Taft Benson

Marriage. . . is the most glorious and most exalting principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ. No ordinance is of more importance and none more sacred and more necessary to the eternal joy of man. Faithfulness to the marriage covenant brings the fullest joy here and glorious rewards hereafter. — Ezra Taft Benson

Every man eventually is backed up to the wall of faith, and there he must make his stand. — Ezra Taft Benson

While you are going through your trial, you can recall your past victories and coul the blessings that you do have with a sure hope of greater ones to allow if you are faithful. — Ezra Taft Benson

Faith is the foundation upon which a godlike character is built. It is a prerequisite for all other virtues. — Ezra Taft Benson

Ezra Taft Benson Quotes About Inspiring

To a significant degree, we are an overfed and undernourished nation digging an early grave with our teeth, and lacking the energy that could be ours because we overindulge in junk foods. — Ezra Taft Benson

Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age? — Ezra Taft Benson

What would God have me do with my life? — Ezra Taft Benson

Ezra Taft Benson Quotes About Love

God loves us. He's watching us, he wants us to succeed, and we'll know someday that he has not left one thing undone for the eternal welfare of each of us. If we only knew it, there are heavenly hosts pulling for us -- friends in heaven that we can't rememer now, who yearn for our victory. — Ezra Taft Benson

If we would truly seek to be more like our Savior and Master, learning to love as He loves should be our highest goal — Ezra Taft Benson

The world today speaks a great deal about love, and it is sought by many. But the pure love of Christ differs greatly from what the world thinks of love. Charity never seeks selfish gratification. The pure love of Christ seeks only the eternal growth and joy of others. — Ezra Taft Benson

This latter day work is spiritual. It takes spirituality to comprehend it, to love it, to discern it. Therefore, seek the spirit in all you do. Keep it with you continually. That is our challenge. — Ezra Taft Benson

To their duty to God, youth should realize their duty to our country. They should love and honor the Constitution of the United States, the basic concepts and principles upon which this nation has been established. Yes, they need to develop a love for our free institutions. — Ezra Taft Benson

Be cheerful in all that you do. Live joyfully. Live happily. Live enthusiastically, knowing that God does not dwell in gloom and melancholy, but in light and love. — Ezra Taft Benson

We can choose to humble ourselves by loving God, adjusting our will to His, and putting Him first in our lives. — Ezra Taft Benson

Above all else, children need to know and feel they are loved, wanted, and appreciated. They need to be assured of that often. Obviously, this is a role parents should fill, and most often the mother can do it best. — Ezra Taft Benson

We can and should place special emphasis on developing in our youth constructive incentives — a love of science, engineering, and math, so that they will want to take advanced scientific courses and thereby help meet the needs of our times. — Ezra Taft Benson

Mothers stay close to your daughters Earn & deserve their love & respect Be united with their father in the rearing of your children Do nothing in your life to cause your daughters to stumble because of your example. — Ezra Taft Benson

Ezra Taft Benson Quotes About Spiritual

The secret of a happy marriage is to serve God and each other. The goal of marriage is unity and oneness, as well as self-development. Paradoxically, the more we serve one another, the greater is our spiritual and emotional growth. — Ezra Taft Benson

Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit. Otherwise, he is placing his soul in jeopardy and neglecting that which could give spiritual and intellectual unity to his whole life. — Ezra Taft Benson

To love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength is all-consuming and all-encompassin g. It is no lukewarm endeavor. It is total commitment of our very being-physicall y, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually-to a love of the Lord. — Ezra Taft Benson

The Declaration of Independence to which these great men affixed their signatures is much more than a political document. It constitutes a spiritual manifesto-revel ation, if you will-declaring not for this nation only, but for all nations, the source of man's rights. — Ezra Taft Benson

To be a successful missionary one must have the Spirit of the Lord. We are also taught that the Spirit will not dwell in unclean tabernacles. Therefore, one of the first things a missionary must do to gain spirituality is to make sure his own personal life is in order. — Ezra Taft Benson

Ezra Taft Benson Famous Quotes And Sayings

There are certain basic principles regarding the proper role of government. If principles are correct, then they can be applied to any specific proposal with confidence... The true statesman values principle above popularity, and works to create popularity for those political principles which are wise and just. — Ezra Taft Benson

For over forty years, in a spirit of love, members of the Church have been counseled to be thrifty and self-reliant; to avoid debt; pay tithes and a generous fast offering; be industrious; and have sufficient food, clothing, and fuel on hand to last at least one year. Today there are compelling reasons to reemphasize this counsel. — Ezra Taft Benson

The moment you begin a serious study of the scriptures, you will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the straight and narrow path.... When you begin to hunger & thirst after those words, you will find life in greater abundance. — Ezra Taft Benson

One who is kind is sympathetic and gentle with others. He is considerate of others feelings and courteous in his behavior. He has a helpful nature. Kindness pardons others? weaknesses and fault. Kindness is extended to all--to the aged and the young, to animals, to those low of stations as well as the high. — Ezra Taft Benson

An honorable man or woman is one who is truthful; free from deceit; above cheating, lying, stealing, or any form of deception. An honorable man or woman is one who learns early that one cannot do wrong and feel right. A man's character is judged on how he keeps his word and his agreements. — Ezra Taft Benson

If America is destroyed, it may be by Americans who salute the flag, sing the national anthem, march in patriotic parades, cheer Fourth of July speakers - normally good Americans, but Americans who fail to comprehend what is required to keep our country strong and free, Americans who have been lulled away into a false security. — Ezra Taft Benson

[Joseph Smith] foresaw the time when the destiny of the nation would be in danger and would hang as by a thread. Thank God he did not see the thread break. He also indicated the important part that this people should yet play in standing for the principles embodied in these sacred documents - the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. — Ezra Taft Benson

Do not be caught up in materialism, one of the real plagues of our generation-that is, acquiring things, fast-paced living, and securing career success. — Ezra Taft Benson

"Thou shalt not bear false witness" Exodus 20:16. When we speak of morality, we imply that a man is true to his word-true to his signature on a contract. The violations of God's laws are evidence that lying and misrepresentation are not absent from us. — Ezra Taft Benson

I hope we can be happy where we are, be grateful for our blessings-now-here, accept the challenge that is ours and make the most of it, and don't be envious of others. God help us to be grateful. — Ezra Taft Benson

When you are tempted to look elsewhere for greener pastures, just remember someone else is probably looking at yours. And if another pasture looks greener, perhaps it is getting better care and attention. Grass is always greener . . . where it is watered. — Ezra Taft Benson

It is not on the pinnacle of success and ease where men and women grow most. It is often down in the valley of heartache and disappointment and reverses where men and women grow. — Ezra Taft Benson

Fatherhood is not a matter of station or wealth; it is a matter of desire, diligence, and determination to see one's family exalted in the celestial kingdom. If that prize is lost, nothing else really matters. — Ezra Taft Benson

God help us to be grateful for our blessings, never to be guilty of the sin of ingratitude, and to instill this same gratitude into the lives of our children. — Ezra Taft Benson

The Lord has warned and forewarned us against a day of great tribulation and given us counsel, through His Servants, on how we can be prepared for these difficult times. Have we heeded His counsel? — Ezra Taft Benson

I promise you that, with increased attendance in the temples of our God, you shall receive increased personal revelation to bless your life as you bless those who have died — Ezra Taft Benson

... in all seriousness... you who submit yourselves to an abortion or to an operation that precludes you from safely having additional healthy children are jeopardizing your exaltation and your future membership in the kingdom of God. — Ezra Taft Benson

Modesty in dress and language and deportment is a true mark of refinement and a hallmark of a virtuous Latter-day Saint woman. — Ezra Taft Benson

The revelation to store food may be as essential to our temporal salvation today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah. — Ezra Taft Benson

There is no greater Church calling than that of a home teacher. There is no greater Church service rendered to our Father in Heaven's children than the service rendered by a humble, dedicated, committed home teacher. — Ezra Taft Benson

We must share the gospel with others. That is our responsibility-every member a missionary. That is the call of prophets of God. ...Member-missionary work is one of the great keys to the individual growth of our members. It is my conviction that member-missionary work will raise the spirituality in any ward where applied — Ezra Taft Benson

It is not enough simply to try to resist evil or empty our lives of sin. We must also fill our lives with righteousness — Ezra Taft Benson

There is no place for fear among men and women who Almighty, who do not hesitate to humble themselves in seeking divine guidance through prayer. Though persecutions arise, though reverses come, in prayer we can find reassurance, for God will speak peace to the soul. That peace, that spirit of serenity, is life's greatest blessing. . — Ezra Taft Benson

It is my firm belief that the God of Heaven raised up the founding fathers and inspired them to establish the Constitution of this land. This is part of my religious faith. To me this is not just another nation. It is a great and glorious nation with a divine mission to perform for liberty-loving people everywhere. — Ezra Taft Benson

No man is truly free who is in financial bondage. 'Think what you do when you run in debt', said Benjamin Franklin, 'you give another power over your liberty.' — Ezra Taft Benson

Young people, you need the wisdom of age, just as some of us older ones need your enthusiasm for life. — Ezra Taft Benson

We counsel you, young men, not to pollute your minds with such degrading matter, for the mind through which this filth passes is never the same afterwards. Don't see R-rated movies or vulgar videos or participate in any entertainment that is immoral, suggestive, or pornographic. Don't listen to music that is degrading — Ezra Taft Benson

We oppose and abhor the damnable practice of wholesale abortion and every other unholy and impure act which strikes at the very foundation of the home and family, our most basic institutions. — Ezra Taft Benson

Beware of those who would pit the dead prophets against the living prophets, for the living prophets always take precedence. — Ezra Taft Benson

Let us be in a position so we are able to not only feed ourselves through home production and storage, but others as well. — Ezra Taft Benson

All through the ages prophets have looked down through the corridors of time to our day. Billions of the deceased and those yet to be born have their eyes on us. Make no mistake about it...this is a marked generation. There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short time than there is of us. — Ezra Taft Benson

I wish that every Latter-day Saint could say and mean it with all his heart: 'I'll go where you want me to go. I'll say what you want me to say. I'll be what you want me to be'. If we could do that, we would be assured of the maximum happiness here and exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God hereafter. — Ezra Taft Benson

I believe that God has endowed men with certain inalienable rights as set forth in the Declaration of Independence and that no legislature and no majority, however great, may morally limit or destroy these; that the sole function of government is to protect life, liberty, and property, and anything more than this is usurpation and oppression. — Ezra Taft Benson

Meditation on a passage of scripture... led a young boy into a grove of trees to commune with his heavenly Father. That is what opened the heavens in this dispensation — Ezra Taft Benson

Temples are places of personal revelation. When I have been weighed down by a problem or a difficulty, I have gone to the House of the Lord with a prayer in my heart for answers. The answers have come in clear and unmistakable ways. — Ezra Taft Benson

Clean hearts and healthful food, exercise, early sleep and fresh air, wholesome recreation and meditation combined with optimism that comes from fighting for the right and knowing you'll eventually win for keeps - this is the tonic every true Christian patriot needs and deserves. — Ezra Taft Benson

I counsel you, in the words of Jesus Christ, to "watch and pray I always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat" (3 Nephi 18:18). If you will earnestly seek guidance from your Heavenly Father, morning and evening, you will be given the strength to shun any temptation. — Ezra Taft Benson

Do not make your mind a dumping ground for other people's garbage. — Ezra Taft Benson

No true Latter-day Saint and no true American can be a socialist or a communist or support programs leading in that direction. These evil philosophies are incompatible with Mormonism, the true gospel of Jesus Christ. — Ezra Taft Benson

Humility does not mean weakness. It does not mean timidity. It does not mean fear. A man can be humble and fearless. A man can be humble and courageous. — Ezra Taft Benson

You must keep your honor! You can't speak for the country; you can do little about the national economy or actions of moral weaklings who excuse themselves with the expression, "That is politics; nor can you be responsible for deception in others. But you are responsible for yourself! There are no collective panaceas - only individual ones." — Ezra Taft Benson

He is the way, the truth, and the light, and no one can come back into the presence of our Father in heaven except through him. Christ is God the Son and possesses every virtue in its perfection. Therefore, the only measure of true greatness is how close a man can become like Jesus. That man is greatest who is most like Christ, and those who love him most will be most like him. — Ezra Taft Benson

We can choose to humble ourselves by confessing and forsaking our sins and being born of God. — Ezra Taft Benson

The leisure time of children must be constructively directed to wholesome, positive pursuits. Too much time viewing television can be destructive...It is estimated that growing children today watch television over twenty-five hours per week. — Ezra Taft Benson

True to form, many of the people who desire to frustrate God's purposes of giving mortal tabernacles to His spirit children through worldwide birth control are the very same people who support the kinds of government that perpetuate famine. They advocate an evil to cure the results of the wickedness they support. — Ezra Taft Benson

Essentially, pride is a 'my will' rather than 'thy will' approach to life. — Ezra Taft Benson

Personal revelation, consecration of performance, attention to detail, and dependency on God-with these qualities you cannot fail. — Ezra Taft Benson

Pride is ugly. It says 'If you succeed I am a failure.' — Ezra Taft Benson

Have sufficient food, clothing, and fuel on hand to last at least one year. — Ezra Taft Benson

Beloved youth, you will have your trials and temptations through which you must pass, but there are great moments of eternity which lie ahead. You have our love and our confidence. We pray that you will be prepared for the reins of leadership. We say to you, "Arise and shine forth" and be a light unto the world, a standard to others. — Ezra Taft Benson

One of the marks of an educated man today is to know what not to read--what not to see or what not to listen to. — Ezra Taft Benson

The Lord is letting the wheat and the tares mature before he fully purges the Church. He is also testing you to see if you will be misled. The devil is trying to deceive the very elect. — Ezra Taft Benson

This nation was established by the God of heaven as a citadel of liberty. A Constitution guaranteeing those liberties was designed under the superintending influence of heaven. — Ezra Taft Benson

We believe in a moral code. Communism denies innate right or wrong. As W. Cleon Skousen has said in his timely book, The Naked Communist: The communist 'has convinced himself that nothing is evil which answers the call of expediency.' This is a most damnable doctrine. People who truly accept such a philosophy have neither conscience nor honor. Force, trickery, lies, broken promises are wholly justified. — Ezra Taft Benson

The stage, the screen, the novel, casual conversation, the street discussion, and too often the fireside intimacies are punctuated with blasphemy, to which may be added, as of the same nature, coarse, ribald jokes, foul stories, and low small talk. Some would have us believe that profanity is a sign of masculinity and emotion maturity. — Ezra Taft Benson

There are times when you simply have to righteous hang on and outlast the devil. — Ezra Taft Benson

I began to realize that when you are at peace with your Maker you can, if not ignore human criticism, at least rise above it. — Ezra Taft Benson

The secret to missionary work is work. Work, work, work! — Ezra Taft Benson

We need to be more grateful. I think there is no true character without gratitude. It is one of the marks of a real strong character to have a feeling of thanksgiving and gratitude for blessings. We need more of that spirit in our homes, in our daily associations, in the church, everywhere. It doesn't cost anything, and it is so easy to cultivate. — Ezra Taft Benson

Every member of the priesthood should understand the divine plan designed by the Lord to raise up the first free people in modern times. — Ezra Taft Benson

Life Lessons by Ezra Taft Benson

1. Ezra Taft Benson taught the importance of faith, hard work, and humility. He believed that success in life is not determined by material possessions, but by a person's character and dedication to their beliefs.
2. He also believed that service to others is the key to true happiness and that we should strive to be an example for others.
3. Finally, Ezra Taft Benson taught that we should always strive to be better and to never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may be.