With a False Sense of Being Supported

With a false sense of being supported
A student curtailed all of his work
For he thought with notions that were distorted
His faith could replace what he wanted to shirk

And since he did not continue
As at first he had commenced
He went on to other venues
For his academics soon were fenced

If only he had thought
To read of Oliver Cowdery
For during translations he was taught
Of how his lack of study caused him injury

There is a simple promise
That truths are given- when we ask
But there's a second side to this
We must be pondering upon that task

For how can we know if it be right
If it's not been studied out in the mind
Then by applying faith we've new insight
As through exercise it's there to find

In reality what should be first?
But to think- everything depends on ME
As in the mind we study and rehearse
To then depend on the Lord with a well thought out plea

Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become our Downfall
Distorted Faith
Ensign, October 1994, 11

D&C 9:5-8
And, behold, it is because that you did not continue as you commenced, when you began to translate, that I have taken away this privilege from you.
Do not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you after this manner.
Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.