Mosiah 1

King Benjamin taught his three sons "in all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might become men of understanding; and that they might know concerning the prophecies which had been spoken by the mouths of their fathers, which were delivered them by the hand of the Lord." (v. 2) If we want our children to be men and women "of understanding," we have to teach them language and to love the written word. Reading is a sublime blessing. Experience is a great teacher, but we can avoid the pain of learning through our own experience by learning from the experience of others who have gone before us. Reading opens a window on truth that is otherwise closed. This is especially true of the scriptures.

5 I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before our eyes, that even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief, and we should have been like unto our brethren, the Lamanites, who know nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they are taught them, because of the traditions of their fathers, which are not correct.

Mosiah counseled his sons to "search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby." (v. 7) The Savior scolded the Pharisees in this way (John 5):

38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

An essential step in coming to know the Savior is to search his words -- as given to apostles and prophets -- diligently. As we come to understand them, we come to know Him.