The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ would take the slums out of people, and then they would take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature.

— 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

The one-man other than my father who made the most lasting impression was an uncle, Serge B. Benson. He taught me in three different classes - but above all, he taught me lessons in moral, physical, and intellectual courage that I have tried to apply in later life.

— Ezra Taft Benson

The privilege of holding the priesthood, which is the power and authority to act in God's name, is a great blessing and privilege and one that carries with it equally great obligations and responsibilities.

— Ezra Taft Benson

The proud cannot accept the authority of God giving direction to their lives. (See Hellman 12:6.) They pit their perceptions of truth against God’s great knowledge, their abilities versus God’s priesthood power, and their accomplishments against His mighty works.

— Ezra Taft Benson

The proud depend upon the world to tell them whether they have value or not. Their self-esteem is determined by where they are judged to be on the ladders of worldly success. They feel worthwhile as individuals if the numbers beneath them in achievement, talent, beauty, or intellect are large enough.

— Ezra Taft Benson

The proud do not change to improve, but defend their position by rationalizing. Repentance means change, and it takes a humble person to change.

— 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

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

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

— Ezra Taft Benson