There are many examples of preparedness in the scriptures. Here are a few.
- Noah (Genesis 6-8) – Noah had to take enough food for his family and the animals to last a year plus the time until the next harvest.
- Joseph of Egypt (Genesis 41) – Joseph directed the storing of grain during seven plenteous years to be used during seven years of famine. We know from 1 Nephi 5:14 that one reason God guided him in this effort was so he could save his father Jacob and his brothers from the famine.
- The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) – We learn that the wise prepare ahead and have extra; that just because someone else has reserves does not mean they will be able to share with us; and that if we wait to prepare, it may become too late.
- Zeniff (Mosiah 9-10) – The people of Zeniff began building and repairing buildings and walls. “And [Zeniff] did cause that the men should till the ground and raise all manner of grain and all manner of fruit of every kind. And…did cause that the women should spin, and toil, and work, and work all manner of fine linen, yea, and cloth of every kind, that [they] might clothe [their] nakedness; and thus [they] did prosper in the land.”
- Captain Moroni, chief commander of the armies of the Nephites (Alma 49:27-50:1) – Moroni was successful in defending the cities of Ammonihah and Noah against the Lamanites because he prepared them to be secure. Even after the Lamanites retreated, he continued preparations of defense. “…Moroni had kept the commandments of God in preparing for the safety of his people…And now it came to pass that Moroni did not stop making preparations…to defend his people…”
- Captain Moroni (Alma 53) – Moroni demonstrates that preparedness and providing food must be a priority even when it means delaying other important things. “And it came to pass that he did no more attempt a battle with the Lamanites in that year, but he did employ his men in preparing for war, yea, and in making fortifications to guard against the Lamanites, yea, and also delivering their women and their children from famine and affliction, and providing food for their armies.”
- Nephi, son of Helaman (Helaman 11) – Nephi prayed for a famine to stop war in the land. The famine lasted for three years. Many died “in the more wicked parts of the land.” Nephi and his brother Lehi and, we assume, their families survived. Indications would be that the people had a storage program because they did not have forewarning such as Joseph of Egypt. The famine began in the year it was prayed for.
- The Nephites governed by Lachoneus (3 Nephi 3-4) – By request of the governor Lachoneus, the Nephites were directed to gather to Zarahemla to battle the Gadianton robbers as one body. They “reserved for themselves provisions, and horses and cattle, and flocks of every kind, that they might subsist for the space of seven years.” As a result, “it was impossible for the robbers to lay siege sufficiently long to have any effect upon the Nephites, because of their much provision which they had laid up in store.” They won the war because they were prepared and because the Gadianton robbers were weak from “want of food” and had not been self-reliant.
“Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.” Ezekial 38:7
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” 1 Timothy 5:8
“…do ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us, while we sit upon our thrones and do not make use of the means which the Lord has provided for us?” Alma 60:21
“By faith, Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet…prepared an ark to the saving of his house…” Hebrews 11:7
“Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing…” D&C 88:119
“Thou shalt be diligent in preserving what thou hast, that thou mayest be a wise steward…” D&C 136:27
“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”
Proverbs 6:6-8
“There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” Proverbs 21:20
“It must needs be necessary that ye save all the money that ye can, and that ye obtain all that ye can in righteousness…” D&C 48:4
“For if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you.” D&C 78:7
“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6: 46
“Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come…” D&C 1:12
“…if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” D&C 38:30
“Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal…” D&C 29:34
“…I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” 1 Nephi 3:7