A Spiritual Thought

I debated yesterday whether to use the word "whore" in the title of my post. I didn't want to come across vulgar and crass. So I asked my husband before clicking "publish post" if it was bad to write the word "whore." He said he didn't think so and that it depended upon the context. Then I justified that whore is a word used in the scriptures, so it can't be all that bad. My husband also reminded me that "dumb ass" is used several times in the scriptures as well. If you do a search for "dumb ass" on http://scriptures.lds.org/ you get the following results:

2 Pet. 2: 16 (New Testament)
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

This scripture is referring to the prophet Balaam of the Old Testament (Numbers 22-24.) He is an example of a false prophet ripe in iniquity.

Mosiah 12: 5 (Book of Mormon)
5 Yea, and I will cause that they shall have burdens lashed upon their backs; and they shall be driven before like a dumb ass.

This is the Lord speaking to the prophet, Abinadi, referring to those who are unrighteous.

Mosiah 21: 3 (Book of Mormon)
3 Now they durst not slay them, because of the oath which their king had made unto Limhi; but they would smite them on their cheeks, and exercise authority over them; and began to put heavy burdens upon their backs, and drive them as they would a dumb ass—

In reference to the Lamanites towards the Nephites. A fulfillment of the prophecy given by Abinadi in Mosiah 12.

So what can we learn from these scriptures? Well, basically if we don't want to be considered a dumb ass, we need to live righteously which includes not following false prophets, not giving into lusts, and keeping the commandments. Asses are known for carrying heavy loads on their backs and, metaphorically speaking, if we choose to live righteously and repent of our sins we will avoid the heavy burden caused by sin. Without that burden, it is easier for us to continually make good choices that will keep us on the straight and narrow path that leads us back to where we can live again with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.