Ezra Taft Benson Quotes & Sayings

The responsibility of a man is to lead his family. — 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

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

Gods' payment is the best payment. — 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

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

Woman was given to man as an helpmeet. That complementary association is ideally portrayed in the eternal marriage of our first parents - Adam and Eve. They labored together; they had children together; they prayed together; and they taught their children the gospel together. This is the pattern God would have all righteous men and women imitate. — Ezra Taft Benson

Records, radio, television, movies, magazines-all are monopolized by the money managers who are guided by one ethic, the words wealth and power. — Ezra Taft Benson

Yes, the early leaders and the people generally of this great nation recognized the necessity for spiritual support if the nation was to endure. They gave humble expression to this conviction in the inscription, 'In God We Trust' found on the coins of the land. The holy Sabbath was a day of rest and worship. Religious devotion in the home was a common practice. Family prayer, reading of the holy scriptures, and the singing of hymns were an everyday occurrence. There is every evidence that 'our fathers looked to God for their direction. — Ezra Taft Benson

The sacred title of 'father' is shared with the Almighty. — Ezra Taft Benson

No nation which has kept the commandments of God has ever perished, but I say to you that once freedom is lost, only blood - human blood - will win it back. — 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

The moral code of Heaven for both men and women is complete chastity before marriage and full fidelity after marriage. — Ezra Taft Benson

Character is the one thing we make in this world and take with us into the next. — Ezra Taft Benson

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

The seeds of divorce are often sown and the problems of children begin when Mother works outside the home. — Ezra Taft Benson

We are recipients of God's choicest blessings. We enjoy an abundance of material things beyond that enjoyed by any other nation in the history of the world; but unless we keep alive a realization that all these blessings come from God and are a part of our great spiritual heritage, they may crumble as ashes in our hands. "In nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things and obey not his commandments." — Ezra Taft Benson

The world teaches birth control. Tragically, many of our sisters subscribe to its pills and practices when they could easily provide earthly tabernacles for more of our Father's children. We know that every spirit assigned to this earth will come, whether through us or someone else. There are couples in the Church who think they are getting along just fine with their limited families but who will someday suffer the pains of remorse when they meet the spirits that might have been part of their posterity. — Ezra Taft Benson

Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God's. — Ezra Taft Benson

Reading the Book of Mormon is one of the greatest persuaders to get men on missions. — 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

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

Great battles can make great heroes and heroines. — Ezra Taft Benson

Man is at his best when complimented by the influence of a good woman. — 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

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

Young women, the family unit is forever, and you should do everything in your power to strengthen that unit. — 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

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

Daily, constantly, we choose by our desires, our thoughts, and our actions whether we want to be blessed or cursed, happy or miserable. — Ezra Taft Benson

Faithful attendance at Church meetings brings blessings you can receive in no other way. — Ezra Taft Benson

I am sure many of you know that the veil can be very thin-that there are people over there who are pulling for us-people who have faith in us and who have great hopes for us, who are hoping and praying that we will measure up-our loved ones who have passed on — Ezra Taft Benson

I grew up believing that the willingness and ability to work is the basic ingredient of successful farming. Hard, intelligent work is the key. Use it, and your chances for success are good. — 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. Just as a musician has a love of music which drives him to become outstanding in that field, so we must inculcate in some of our qualified young people such an interest in science that they will turn to it of themselves. — Ezra Taft Benson

We have many responsibilities, and one cannot expect the full blessings of a kind Providence if he neglects any major duty. A man has duties to his church, his home, his country, and his profession or job. — Ezra Taft Benson

The high cost of low living. — Ezra Taft Benson

America, North and South, is a choice land, a land reserved for God's own purposes. — Ezra Taft Benson

We are an overfed and undernourished nation digging an early grave with our teeth ... — Ezra Taft Benson

Plan to build up your food supply just as you would a savings account. Save a little for storage each paycheck. Can or bottle fruit and vegetables from your gardens and orchards. Learn how to preserve food through drying and possibly freezing. Make your storage a part of your budget. — 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

Study the scriptures and study the mortals who have been most consistently accurate about the most important things. When your freedom and your eternal welfare are at stake, your information best be accurate. — Ezra Taft Benson

There are blessings in being close to the soil, in raising your own food even if it is only a garden in your yard and a fruit tree or two. Those families will be fortunate who, in the last days, have an adequate supply of food because of their foresight and ability to produce their own. — 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

A man must not only stand for the right principles, but he must also fight for them. Those who fight for principle can be proud of the friends they've gained and the enemies they've earned. — Ezra Taft Benson

Any Christian constitutionalist who retreats from this battle jeopardizes his life here and hereafter. Seldom has so much responsibility hung on so few, so heavily; but our numbers are increasing, and we who have been warned have a responsibility to warn our neighbor. — 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

We attach to most of our chapels a cultural hall so that our youth may have a place to dance, to perform their talents in musicals and other uplifting entertainment, and we hope our youth leaders as trustees of the building will see to it that only wholesome, uplifting activities are performed in this building. Should you have any reservations whether or not an activity, a style of dancing or tempo of music is in accord with Church standards, may I suggest this guide: Does it uplift and inspire one to higher ideals? Does it develop wholesome relationships between young men and women, or appeal to and arouse their baser instincts? Will it cause one to be a better Latter-day Saint and lead one closer to the Savior? Avoid all activities and dances which bring the world's demoralizing standards into this sacred meeting place. — Ezra Taft Benson

Our families may be corrupted by worldly trends and teachings unless we know how to use the [Book of Mormon] to expose and combat the falsehoods in socialism, organic evolution, rationalism, humanism, and so forth. ... And our nation will continue to degenerate unless we read and heed the words of the God of this land, Jesus Christ, and quit building up and upholding the secret combinations which the Book of Mormon tells us proved the downfall of both previous American civilizations. — Ezra Taft Benson

As members of the Lord's Church, we must take missionary work more seriously. The Lord's commission to 'preach the gospel to every creature' (Mark 16:15) will never change in our dispensation. We have been greatly blessed with the material means, the technology, and an inspired message to bring the gospel to all men. More is expected of us than any previous generation. Where 'much is given much is required.' (D&C 82:3.) — Ezra Taft Benson

There can be no genuine happiness separate and apart from the home. — Ezra Taft Benson

When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power. — Ezra Taft Benson

Making decisions is probably the most important thing people ever do. Nothing happens until someone makes a decision. — 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

We are superior to government and should remain master over it, not the other way around. — 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

Nothing will surprise us more than when we get to heaven and see the Father and realize how well we know Him and how familiar His face is to us. — Ezra Taft Benson

For years we have been counseled to have on hand a year's supply of food. Yet there are some today who will not start storing until the Church comes out with a detailed monthly home storage program. Now suppose that never happens. We still cannot say we have not been told. Should the Lord decide at this time to cleanse the Church- and the need for that cleansing seems to be increasing- a famine in this land of one year's duration could wipe out a large percentage of slothful members, including some ward and stake officers. Yet we cannot say we have not been warned. — Ezra Taft Benson

Yes, one can repent of moral transgression. The miracle of forgiveness is real, and true repentance is accepted of the Lord. — Ezra Taft Benson

Our parents deserve our honor and respect for giving us life itself. Beyond this they almost always made countless sacrifices as they cared for and nurtured us through our infancy and childhood, provided us with the necessities of life, and nursed us through physical illnesses and the emotional stresses of growing up. — Ezra Taft Benson

The great test of life is obedience to God. — Ezra Taft Benson

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

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

A good name is still to be preferred over great riches. Especially it is to be preferred to the appearance of riches, aquired with nothing down and nothing to pay for 2 months. — Ezra Taft Benson

You will live in the midst of economic, political, and spiritual instability. When you see these signs
unmistakable evidences that his coming is nigh
be not troubled, but, "stand ... in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come" (D&C 87:8). Holy men and holy women stand in holy places, and these holy places include our temples, our chapels, our homes, and the stakes of Zion ...
"This preparation must consist of more than just casual membership in the Church. You must learn to be guided by personal revelation and the counsel of the living prophet so you will not be deceived. — 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

God our Father, Jesus, our Elder Brother and our Redeemer, and the Holy Ghost, the Testator, are perfect. They know us best and love us most and will not leave one thing undone for our eternal welfare. Should we not love them for it and honor them first? — Ezra Taft Benson

Some leaders may be honest and good but unwise in legislation they choose to support. Others may possess wisdom but be dishonest and unvirtuous. We must be concerted in our desires and efforts to see men and women represent us who possess all three of these qualities. — Ezra Taft Benson

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

Those who are heavy-laden with despair should come unto the Lord. — 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

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

The Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention. — Ezra Taft Benson

God will have a humble people. Either we can choose to be humble, or we can be compelled to be humble. — Ezra Taft Benson

In the beginning, Adam was instructed to earn the bread by the sweat of his brow - not Eve. Contrary to conventional wisdom, a mother's place is in the home! — Ezra Taft Benson

Go on daddy-daughter dates and father-and-sons' outings with your children. As a family, go on campouts and picnics, to ball games and recitals, to school programs, and so forth. Having Dad there makes all the difference. — Ezra Taft Benson

Scouting teaches a boy to take care of himself and stand on his own two feet. — Ezra Taft Benson

A missionary should never permit himself to see a movie or (read) cheap literature, or hear music that tends to interfere with or which dampens the spirit of missionary work. There is ample evidence that rock music is offensive to the Spirit and affects adversely the spirituality of the missionaries and thus the success of the proselyting work. — Ezra Taft Benson

Attractive labels are usually attached to the most dangerous programs, often in the name of public welfare and personal security. — Ezra Taft Benson

What does the Atonement have to do with missionary work? Any time we experience the blessings of the Atonement in our lives, we cannot help but have a concern for the welfare of others ... A great indicator of one's personal conversion is the desire to share the gospel with others. — Ezra Taft Benson

The condition of the physical body can affect the spirit. — Ezra Taft Benson

By deriving it's just powers from the governed, government becomes primarily a mechanism for defense against bodily harm, theft, and involuntary servitude. It cannot claim the power to redistribute money or property nor to force reluctant citizens to perform acts of charity against their will. Government is created by the people. No individual possesses the power to take another's wealth or to force others to do good, so no government has the the right to do such things either. The creature cannot exceed the creator. — Ezra Taft Benson

I challenge those who are in business and other professions to see that there are copies of the Book of Mormon in their reception rooms. — Ezra Taft Benson

To love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength is all-consuming and all-encompassing. It is no lukewarm endeavor. — Ezra Taft Benson

Mothers, take time to be a real friend to your children. Listen to your children, really listen. Talk with them, laugh and joke with them, sing with them, cry with them, hug them, honestly praise them. Yes, regularly spend unused one-on-one time with each child. Be a real friend to your children. — Ezra Taft Benson

Many of us have a tendency to forget the Gracious Hand which has preserved our nation, enriched it, strengthened it. Many of us imagine in the foolishness of pride, that our manifold blessings are due not to God's goodness, but to our own wisdom and virtue. Too many of us have been so drunk with self-sufficiency as no longer to feel the need of prayer. — Ezra Taft Benson

Family preparedness has been a long-established welfare principle. — Ezra Taft Benson

We urge you to do all within your talent and means to build the kingdom of God on Earth. Always strive to sustain, support and do what is best for the kingdom of God. — Ezra Taft Benson

No man is truly educated unless he knows where he came from, why he is here, and where he can expect to go in the next life. — Ezra Taft Benson

Ponder the significance of the responsibility the Lord has given to us. The Lord has counseled, "Let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds." (D&C 43:34.) You cannot do that when your minds are preoccupied with the cares of the world. — Ezra Taft Benson

With good health all the activities of life are greatly enhanced ... It gives our every experience in life more zest and more meaning. — 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

The so-called civil rights movement as it exists today is used as a Communist program for revolution in America. — Ezra Taft Benson

Humility responds to God's will-to the fear of His judgments and to the needs of those around us. To the proud, the applause of the world rings in their ears; to the humble, the applause of heaven warms their hearts. Someone has said, "Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man." — Ezra Taft Benson

This is our first interest as a church-to save and exalt the souls of the children of men. There is no richer program anywhere in the world than we have in the Church today for the building of men and women and providing the answers to the problems that face parents, families, and individuals. It is a program that is needed today as never before. — Ezra Taft Benson

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

We all know of families who have obligated themselves for more than they could pay. There is a world of heartache behind such cases. — 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 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

We must be devoted to sound principles in word and deed: principle above party, principle above pocketbook, principle above popularity. — Ezra Taft Benson