cursed by the law

D&C 24:17 And whosoever shall go to law with thee shall be cursed by the law.

Oliver Cowdery needed this warning. One of the charges brought against him in 1838 was that he had turned from his calling to the practice of law, “for filthy lucre,” and that he had bee urging vexatious lawsuits. He needed to be reminded that those who would persecute others by law would be “cursed by the law.”

Lawsuits are to be avoided, if possible.

“Does the Lord love your conduct when you drag each other before the ungodly? When you run after difficulties, contentions, broils, and strife? Do you think He has fellowship with your conduct in such things? No, you do not. Do you suppose that Jesus Christ has? No. Do you believe that angels and good men can fellowship your conduct? You do not? (Brigham Young. Journal of Discourses, Vol. III., p. 239).

Brigham Young adds that there is not a righteous person who has difficulties that cannot be settled by arbitrators.



Doctrine and Covenants Commentary by Hyrum M. Smith and Janne M. Sjodahl. Deseret Book. 1965. p.126