In today’s survey of spiritual one-liners, we discover a key pattern of divine teaching in Isaiah’s words: “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:10).
This verse powerfully demonstrates God’s approach to divine revelation. Just as a child learns to read by first mastering letters, then words, then sentences, our spiritual understanding grows gradually through consistent, patient learning.
The Book of Mormon adds depth to this principle. “I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept,” the Lord declares, “for unto him that receiveth I will give more” (2 Nephi 28:30). Notice the conditional promise—receiving more revelation depends on how we respond to what we’ve already received.
Consider how this principle works with scripture study and gaining a testimony of the Restoration. Many struggle to receive a witness of the Book of Mormon’s truthfulness because they’ve already decided it can’t be true. But those who approach it with even a particle of faith, willing to “experiment upon the word” (Alma 32:27), often find their understanding growing naturally, piece by piece. This pattern of openness followed by revelation applies to all gospel learning.
I testify that God is a perfect teacher who knows exactly how much light and truth we can receive at any moment. As we faithfully apply each “line” and “precept” He gives us, He prepares us to receive more. Our spiritual growth, like any meaningful learning, happens not in sudden bursts but through patient, consistent progression.
Elder Linder 