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Teach ye diligently
Everyone is a teacher - and everyone can learn to teach better. That is the theme and substance of Teach Ye Diligently, by Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A teacher by profession as well as avocation, Elder Packer draws upon personal experiences and observations in the classroom, as a teaching administrator, and in his own family to provide down-to-earth, useful interpretations of teaching principles that can help everyone who teaches in any type of situation. For the classroom teacher, there are helpful guides to maintaining discipline, providing a climate conducive to learning, and using proven principles to aid the learning process. For parents as well as those called formally to teach, there are suggestions on how to make difficult subjects more easily understood, how to answer the hard-to-answer question, attention-getters, how to use stories, poetry, and visual aids for the greatest impact. Throughout the book, the emphasis is on teaching moral and spiritual values, in response to the Lord's admonition in Doctrine and Covenants 88: "Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand." Teach Ye Diligently is an important book with an important message for everyone!
329 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1975
40 people are currently reading
1041 people want to read
About the author
Boyd K. Packer
48 books45 followersPresident Boyd K. Packer, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was set apart to this position on February 3, 2008. Previously, he was Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles beginning June 5, 1994. Prior to becoming Acting President, he served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, having been ordained an Apostle on April 9, 1970. He earlier served for almost nine years as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
An educator by profession, his career includes service as supervisor of seminaries and institutes of religion for the Church and as a member of the Administrative Council of Brigham Young University.
An educator by profession, his career includes service as supervisor of seminaries and institutes of religion for the Church and as a member of the Administrative Council of Brigham Young University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
March 6, 2011
This book has SO many inspirational gems that we are afraid to ever bring up in Sunday school. Look at this nugget:
“If we provide an overabundance of counsel without at once emphasizing the principle of self-reliance as it is understood in the welfare program, we can cause people to be so totally dependent emotionally and spiritually upon others that they subsist on some kind of emotional welfare. They can become unwilling to sustain themselves and become so dependent that they endlessly need to be shored up, lifted up, encouraged, and taught to contribute little of their own. A teacher should not unwittingly allow someone to get in this position; that is not responsible teaching.
“It is possible to do to ourselves emotionally (and therefore spiritually) what we have been working so hard for generations to avoid materially. If we lose our emotional and spiritual self-reliance, we can be weakened quite as much as, and perhaps even more than, when we become dependent materially. On the one hand, we counsel bishops to avoid abuses in the Church welfare program. On the other hand, we dole out counsel and advice without the slightest thought that the member should solve the problem himself or turn to his family, and that only when those resources are inadequate should he turn to the church.
“We ought to be very careful, therefore, not to dole out counsel indiscriminately, or try to totally sustain our members in every emotional need. If we are not careful, we can lose the power of individual revelation.[Quotes D&C 9:7-9]”
(Boyd K. Packer, Teach Ye Diligently, 234-235)
Amazing. So many things in this book that can change your life. Highly recommend.
“If we provide an overabundance of counsel without at once emphasizing the principle of self-reliance as it is understood in the welfare program, we can cause people to be so totally dependent emotionally and spiritually upon others that they subsist on some kind of emotional welfare. They can become unwilling to sustain themselves and become so dependent that they endlessly need to be shored up, lifted up, encouraged, and taught to contribute little of their own. A teacher should not unwittingly allow someone to get in this position; that is not responsible teaching.
“It is possible to do to ourselves emotionally (and therefore spiritually) what we have been working so hard for generations to avoid materially. If we lose our emotional and spiritual self-reliance, we can be weakened quite as much as, and perhaps even more than, when we become dependent materially. On the one hand, we counsel bishops to avoid abuses in the Church welfare program. On the other hand, we dole out counsel and advice without the slightest thought that the member should solve the problem himself or turn to his family, and that only when those resources are inadequate should he turn to the church.
“We ought to be very careful, therefore, not to dole out counsel indiscriminately, or try to totally sustain our members in every emotional need. If we are not careful, we can lose the power of individual revelation.[Quotes D&C 9:7-9]”
(Boyd K. Packer, Teach Ye Diligently, 234-235)
Amazing. So many things in this book that can change your life. Highly recommend.
July 4, 2008
A very understandable and helpful book to make one a better teacher, especially of gospel subjects but I have used many of these principles in other settings as well.
May 13, 2014
I have been spiritually filled and know these words are true. I have such profound respect for a man that has spent basically his entire life learning and serving and teaching about God and Christ. I am happy to have been taught at his feet through this book. I gained some fantastic insights regarding teaching, both at church and as a parent, as well as some general life lessons and scriptural impressions. I loved the anecdotes and experiences all throughout the book. I want to teach in the Savior's way. I read this quickly because I couldn't get enough of it. A few sections seemed a tad scatterbrained or not exactly on topic, but it gave me the impression that President Packer has a whole lot more he could say about this and had to filter through it all to write only these words. I learned new things and defined others that I have always believed but had not necessarily formed into complete thoughts before. I was amazed at how timeless this counsel is--this was published almost 40 years ago and many of the quotes and thoughts are from decades before that, and yet it is exactly relevant to today in its wisdom. It just testifies that God is in charge and does not change from yesterday to today or tomorrow! I am so glad I decided to read this book; many of these concepts are worth reviewing periodically and will stick with me in my heart.
November 16, 2009
President Packer is good at making you realize how short you've fallen but also that hitting the mark is possible and simple, if you apply yourself diligently. I realize I'm not doing very well as a teacher most of the time, but I can be better.
February 1, 2011
Somewhere in the middle-end part I felt he got off of his premise of learning from the Master teacher, but he's had a ton of experience with teaching and the tips and techniques he gave were still good.
April 16, 2008
The best book on teaching outside of scripture.
August 20, 2025
BOOK REVIEW - Teach Ye Diligently by Boyd K. Packer (1982)
Shortly after we married, I was called to teach the Blazer boys (10-11 year olds). I really struggled and complained to my father about how tough it was. He asked me how many hours I spent outside of class preparing for my lessons. I responded, about an hour. He laughed at me and said, “When you are preparing 6-8 hours outside of class for every hour teaching, if you are still having problems let me know.” Shortly thereafter he gave me this book.
I followed his advice and read Teach Ye Diligently. I think it was a combination of the book and the preparation that changed my outlook, style, and approach to teaching. The book been a trusted guide for Latter-day Saint teachers. What makes the book remarkable is not only its clear instruction on how to prepare and present lessons, but its constant reminder that teaching the gospel is a sacred stewardship, not a performance. That is such an important distinction. Teaching is a call to practice humility not to entertain. Unfortunately, at times our culture rewards and holds up the performers over the real teachers.
Reading the book made me feel like sitting at the feet of a wise mentor. Elder Packer shows that true teaching is about far more than relaying facts — it is about inviting the Spirit so that hearts are touched and lives are changed. His counsel is practical, direct, and rooted in his conviction that “the study of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve the gospel.”
He emphasizes preparation, both spiritual and intellectual. A teacher must know the scriptures, organize thoughts clearly, and prayerfully consider the needs of the learners. But beyond preparation, Elder Packer insists that humility and reliance on the Spirit are what give power to teaching. I found this reminder especially meaningful: no matter how talented or experienced we may be, if the Spirit is absent, the lesson will fall flat.
One of the strengths of the book is how it applies to both formal and informal settings. Parents, missionaries, and leaders will find its counsel just as helpful as Sunday School teachers. For me, it deepened my appreciation for the trust God places in teachers — to nurture faith in others and point them toward Him.
Ultimately, Teach Ye Diligently is not just a manual on methods, but a call to consecration. It teaches that the most powerful lessons come from teachers who live what they teach, bear witness often, and allow the Holy Ghost to be the true instructor.
Many years later I had a few assignments with Elder Packer and was able to observe up close. One stands out. It was a meeting of mission presidents. He invited me to join the meeting. I sat in the back just observing. Elder Packer taught in a style of Q&A. Some of the questions were quite technical about what to do in a variety of situations. Elder Packer was fielding the questions, then at one point he said, “Presidents, I have never intentionally violated a law, commandment, or principle of the Gospel.” Then with a wry smile he said, “But I have bent some so far out of proportion that they were hardly recognizable. Brethren, get the spirt and do the right thing and you will be ok.” That experience and others with Elder Packer and a profound influence on me.
Quotes:
“The study of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve the gospel. If we attempt to accommodate the revealed word to the behavioral sciences, then the philosophies of men are given preference over the revelations of God. The revelations will always be right. The challenge is to make certain that our knowledge of them is complete and correct.”
“The basic law of teaching in the Church is this: the Holy Ghost is the true teacher. No matter how well prepared or eloquent a teacher may be, if the Spirit is not present, little of lasting value will be accomplished. If we want to teach as the Savior taught, we must live so that the Spirit can attend our words. Then the message will not only go into the ears, but into the hearts of those who hear.”
Shortly after we married, I was called to teach the Blazer boys (10-11 year olds). I really struggled and complained to my father about how tough it was. He asked me how many hours I spent outside of class preparing for my lessons. I responded, about an hour. He laughed at me and said, “When you are preparing 6-8 hours outside of class for every hour teaching, if you are still having problems let me know.” Shortly thereafter he gave me this book.
I followed his advice and read Teach Ye Diligently. I think it was a combination of the book and the preparation that changed my outlook, style, and approach to teaching. The book been a trusted guide for Latter-day Saint teachers. What makes the book remarkable is not only its clear instruction on how to prepare and present lessons, but its constant reminder that teaching the gospel is a sacred stewardship, not a performance. That is such an important distinction. Teaching is a call to practice humility not to entertain. Unfortunately, at times our culture rewards and holds up the performers over the real teachers.
Reading the book made me feel like sitting at the feet of a wise mentor. Elder Packer shows that true teaching is about far more than relaying facts — it is about inviting the Spirit so that hearts are touched and lives are changed. His counsel is practical, direct, and rooted in his conviction that “the study of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve the gospel.”
He emphasizes preparation, both spiritual and intellectual. A teacher must know the scriptures, organize thoughts clearly, and prayerfully consider the needs of the learners. But beyond preparation, Elder Packer insists that humility and reliance on the Spirit are what give power to teaching. I found this reminder especially meaningful: no matter how talented or experienced we may be, if the Spirit is absent, the lesson will fall flat.
One of the strengths of the book is how it applies to both formal and informal settings. Parents, missionaries, and leaders will find its counsel just as helpful as Sunday School teachers. For me, it deepened my appreciation for the trust God places in teachers — to nurture faith in others and point them toward Him.
Ultimately, Teach Ye Diligently is not just a manual on methods, but a call to consecration. It teaches that the most powerful lessons come from teachers who live what they teach, bear witness often, and allow the Holy Ghost to be the true instructor.
Many years later I had a few assignments with Elder Packer and was able to observe up close. One stands out. It was a meeting of mission presidents. He invited me to join the meeting. I sat in the back just observing. Elder Packer taught in a style of Q&A. Some of the questions were quite technical about what to do in a variety of situations. Elder Packer was fielding the questions, then at one point he said, “Presidents, I have never intentionally violated a law, commandment, or principle of the Gospel.” Then with a wry smile he said, “But I have bent some so far out of proportion that they were hardly recognizable. Brethren, get the spirt and do the right thing and you will be ok.” That experience and others with Elder Packer and a profound influence on me.
Quotes:
“The study of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve the gospel. If we attempt to accommodate the revealed word to the behavioral sciences, then the philosophies of men are given preference over the revelations of God. The revelations will always be right. The challenge is to make certain that our knowledge of them is complete and correct.”
“The basic law of teaching in the Church is this: the Holy Ghost is the true teacher. No matter how well prepared or eloquent a teacher may be, if the Spirit is not present, little of lasting value will be accomplished. If we want to teach as the Savior taught, we must live so that the Spirit can attend our words. Then the message will not only go into the ears, but into the hearts of those who hear.”
December 3, 2013
3.75 stars, really. President Packer is a great teacher and his book is filled with very good advice, counsel, and instruction for teachers in Gospel settings. In the beginning he states that the book will benefit any teacher of Gospel principles—parents, primary teachers, Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, seminary teachers, etc. As an adult Gospel Doctrine teacher, I picked up the book looking for instruction pertinent to my calling. It is certainly full of broadly applicable advice, but the book is definitely written with a bent toward teachers of youth.
Additionally, the book is influenced here and there by the author's conservatism. I respect President Packer's opinions and am happy for him to hold them, but as I studied his text on religious instruction, opinion on the disallowance of mandated prayer in public schools was out of place. I'm sure that President Packer would not appreciate this, but I chuckled when he equated "liberalism" with a lack of spirituality (Joni Hilton feels vindicated). There were really only a few instances of this, but they stood out to me. I would have preferred doctrine, though I can somewhat understand where President Packer is coming from.
Overall Teach Ye Diligently is an excellent resource on good Gospel teaching practices, and it made me think a lot about how I can be a better instructor. I will be referring back to certain chapters from time to time for refreshers and reminders.
Additionally, the book is influenced here and there by the author's conservatism. I respect President Packer's opinions and am happy for him to hold them, but as I studied his text on religious instruction, opinion on the disallowance of mandated prayer in public schools was out of place. I'm sure that President Packer would not appreciate this, but I chuckled when he equated "liberalism" with a lack of spirituality (Joni Hilton feels vindicated). There were really only a few instances of this, but they stood out to me. I would have preferred doctrine, though I can somewhat understand where President Packer is coming from.
Overall Teach Ye Diligently is an excellent resource on good Gospel teaching practices, and it made me think a lot about how I can be a better instructor. I will be referring back to certain chapters from time to time for refreshers and reminders.
November 18, 2017
Written specifically for any who would wish to be a better teacher, “Teach Ye Diligently” by Boyd K. Packer is a thoughtful reflection full of ideas and suggestions on how one can teach their own children or classroom students in an effective, loving, and enlightening way. Full of visuals and stories that are easy to relate to, I find it to be a very useful tool when it comes to teaching in general. Since I specifically am trying to become an elementary school teacher, this has been very insightful, such as when Packer states, “We should ponder on things a little each day and not always be in the crisis of making major decisions on the spur of the moment” (p. 243). This quote really helped me with making decisions on how I’m going to manage my classroom, and I know that there are many more ways that it has helped me. I will continue to study it periodically so that I can improve on my teaching skills.
November 19, 2008
The reason I have come to know about this book was because of an exceptional women I knew back home in AZ. She was in the simplest of terms an amazing teacher of the gospel. She understood how to instill in others a sense of yearning for good knowledge and truth. I asked her one day if there could possibly be any book out there in the world that could at least teach me some of what she knew about teaching (she has a teaching degree from BYU among other things). Her suggestion was this very book and I can tell you now after reading it that Elder Packer is the perfect man to teach others how to do so. He clearly and effortlessly shows others how to teach difficult intangible principles of the gospel by "apperception" and other techniques. A must read for any parent, for we are constantly teaching our children.
August 8, 2009
I periodically troll DI for cheap used books and bought this before helping my sister & brother-in-law move from Idaho to Illinois.
I read most of it while sitting in the St. Louis airport for six hours waiting to fly home (I got bumped). The book seemed to speak to me; it was as almost as though instead of being stuck at gate A4 the author was tutoring me individually. The rhythm of his writing comes through like the cadence of his voice when he speaks in General Conference.
I've only ever taught in Jr. Primary and briefly in EQ. If I were ever to be called as a Sr. Primary, Gospel Doctrine or youth Sunday School teacher I think I'd do a better job--and be less afraid--because of what I learned in this book. Highly recommended.
I read most of it while sitting in the St. Louis airport for six hours waiting to fly home (I got bumped). The book seemed to speak to me; it was as almost as though instead of being stuck at gate A4 the author was tutoring me individually. The rhythm of his writing comes through like the cadence of his voice when he speaks in General Conference.
I've only ever taught in Jr. Primary and briefly in EQ. If I were ever to be called as a Sr. Primary, Gospel Doctrine or youth Sunday School teacher I think I'd do a better job--and be less afraid--because of what I learned in this book. Highly recommended.
June 27, 2017
President Boyd K. Packer invented the Seminary teaching program in the 1950s. Teach Ye Diligently is a product of his lifetime of experience in the Church Education System. required reading for LDS Seminary teachers today. A humble heart is required to truly benefit from the teachings within this book.
I appreciated Elder Packer's philosophy on how instruction is nothing more than two-way communication. In his chapter entitled, "Ready or Not, You Shall Be Taught" Elder Packer teaches that when learners aren't ready, it doesn't matter what else happens. I found myself disagreeing with his thoughts on seat arrangement on his chapter on discipline and class room management.
Factoid: Elder Packer illustrated the book himself.
I appreciated Elder Packer's philosophy on how instruction is nothing more than two-way communication. In his chapter entitled, "Ready or Not, You Shall Be Taught" Elder Packer teaches that when learners aren't ready, it doesn't matter what else happens. I found myself disagreeing with his thoughts on seat arrangement on his chapter on discipline and class room management.
Factoid: Elder Packer illustrated the book himself.
August 21, 2017
If I were in a seminary or institute teacher I'm sure I would have rated this with 5 stars, so I want to clarify that the 4 stars given were simply because many of the things talked about didn't really apply to me as a parent/teacher nor as a Relief Society teacher. That being said, there were so many nuggets of wisdom for effective teaching, and teaching techniques employed by the Savior, and even public speaking tools that it was well worth the time to read. His chapter on time management as a teacher was a part that I found as valuable and applicable to anyone - teacher or jot - as anything from a General Conference address. The many personal experiences and anecdotes caused me to finish the book with an even greater love for the late President Packer.
March 16, 2009
This book is directed toward teaching at church. However, many of the principles of teaching can also be aplied to secular teaching and teaching in the home. If students can apply the lesson to themselves and can see how it can be useful it will be easier to learn and retain. If we can relate something they don't understand to something that they do understand it will help them learn. Use examples. Ask GOOD thougth provoking questions. Give people time to think about what you're asking. Don't be afraid of silence. Understand how people are different and how they are the same.
It makes a good reference book for teaching.
It makes a good reference book for teaching.
June 21, 2010
This book contains many valuable lessons for someone who is new to teaching. Teaching veterans will find it a nice refresher, but not a lot of new information. My main complaint about it is its seemingly haphazard structure. Chapters will occasionally be associated with those that immediately preceded them, but usually there is no obvious connection between them, and topics are sometimes visited multiple times in chapters separated by half a dozen chapters. Breaking the content into sections based on related topics could have given the book a more logical structure.
March 26, 2011
I found application for my church callings and for my professional teaching career in this book. Elder Packer touched on topics ranging from classroom management, teacher appearance, visual aids, object lessons, and so many other things. I have come away from this with a whole list of practical applciations to my own teaching experiences. Best of all, Elder Packer teaches about Christ's teachng methods
December 17, 2007
I originally read this book as a class assignment in college, and I ended up purchasing it as a great reference. Elder Packer gives great practical suggestions on how to run and set up a classroom to be more effective, but also great insights into how to apply analogies or object lessons and how to use the Spirit in teaching.
July 19, 2008
I am just finishing my third read of this book. It is a classic and marvelous text for anyone who is a religious instructor. It has molded and formed me as a teacher and every time I read it I learn something new. I'm ready to begin it again. I recommend it for EVERYONE. Marvelous read. Very instructive.
June 25, 2012
This book has a great conversational style to it. I really enjoyed the stories and down-to-earth, common sense approaches he uses. I learned more about life, I think, than about teaching. My copy has been thoroughly marked with notes all over the margins. I am at the beginnings of being a better teacher--a life long pursuit. This book was very helpful and encouraging.
February 8, 2015
A true gospel classic. I was amazed at how much of this book I've heard before (the "do you know what salt tastes like?" story, for instance), quoted in sacrament meeting talks, priesthood lessons, etc. In these pages, President Packer offers gentle instruction on being a Christ-like teacher. I hope to be able to apply more than a few of the principles taught here to my own teaching.
February 11, 2008
After being involved in learning about education and teaching for more than seven years, someone finally told me about this book. It should have been one of the first ones that I ever read about teaching. I loved it. I will refer to it again and again.
September 15, 2008
I was told once, in a CES conference that every teacher in the Church should read this book once a year. While I have not read it that often, I do return to it frequently to be reminded of important teaching principles.
August 25, 2010
Brother Packer wrote this book years ago and is a must read for the gospel teacher. I suppose it would be easy to go on and on about this book. Just read it! It's great and that all there is to it!
January 31, 2011
Even though I've heard or read most of these teachings before, it's a good book that bears rereading from time to time. I learn something new or remember something that I've forgotten whenever I crack its pages.
January 2, 2013
One of the best books for Mormons seeking the gift of teaching. It has some great anecdotes from President Packer's own experiences in teaching throughout his life. Some of the teaching suggestions are slightly dated but overall this is a great book.
February 5, 2013
There are insights in this book that I wish I would have had a solid grasp on 20 years ago. It seems as much a book on parenting as teaching and perhaps the two are more synonymous than I had previously imagined.
August 2, 2013
I had read the older version of this book at least a couple of times a number of years ago. I loved reading the book again, gleaning so many wonderful nuggets of teaching gems. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be a more effective teacher and/or leader.
January 18, 2014
Why have I not read this a long time ago? I don't know. I was blown away by this book as it has given me some great insights on being not only a teacher in church but as a mother as well. I highly recommend this book! Yes!!! A must read
July 25, 2015
Excellent book filled with ideas on how to be a better Gospel teacher. I need to buy this book and read it again with a highlighter & pen in hand to mark & notate my way through. What a masterful teacher this man was!
December 31, 2018
I read this as I was preparing to teach a religious class for youth and I loved it! It really helped me understand the importance of teaching and of teaching well. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or a mentor, you NEED to read this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews