The Holy Spirit Will Reveal If Something Is True Through a Burning In the Bosom

This FAQ addresses the question “How does the Holy Spirit witness Heavenly Father’s Truth?”

It is a very common LDS assertion that, in response to study and fervent prayer, the Holy Spirit will reveal if something is true through a burning in the bosom.  This is also true to LDS Doctrine:

D&C 9:7-9 – But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.  But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.

A passage that is often used to support this view is James 1:5:

James 1:5 – If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

But James is talking about wisdom.  He is not referring to knowing what is true.  ‘Wisdom’ and ‘knowing truth’ are not the same thing.  ‘Wisdom’ is the ability to understand.  ‘Knowing truth’ is being certain of what is right.