Principles about pride from Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Book of Mormon: 1. Humility opens the door to God's grace. 2. Pride distorts self-perception. 3. Pride prevents people from receiving correction. 4. Pride causes contention.
Psalms 11-20
11. Foundation and Tempest 12. Pure Words Like Tried Silver 13. How Long? 14. None that Doeth Good 15. Who Shall Abide in Thy Tabernacle? 16. Thou Wilt Not Leave My Soul in Hell 17. Night Visit 18. The Steel Bow 19. More Precious than Gold, Sweeter than Honey 20. The Lord Hear Thee
The Compassionate Vulnerability of Prophets
In a rare editorial note, 2 Kings emphasizes that before Israel was conquered, God sent prophets to warn them. Prophets have no way to enforce their words, nor do they try. They can feel lonely, persecuted, and ineffective, but God continues to send them because He loves His children.
The Comfort of Complaint
Nephi explained that his brothers murmured because they didn't understand God's dealings. As the Israelites discovered in the wilderness, those dealings include delayed gratification, giving us space to develop faith in Him. We usually associate complaining with discomfort, but a pattern of murmuring represents a retreat to the familiar and an unwillingness to trust God.
Joseph and Nephi
Joseph's brothers resented his dreams foretelling their subservience to him. Laman and Lemuel resented Nephi for the same reason. Their anger reflected their own insecurities. Nephi and Joseph were wise to "heed them not," but to move forward, trusting God.
Abraham, Tent-Dweller
Abraham lived in a tent, even though he was in the promised land. The author of Hebrews explained that he lived in a tent because he was looking forward to a permanent home that only God could provide. The tent indicated that he was rooted in God's promises, not in his current circumstances.
Two Trees: Lehi on Opposition and Agency
Lehi views the explusion of Eden not as a tragic loss but as a decision which enabled agency. Eve and Adam chose a bitter fruit which introduced sorrow and death, but which opened the door for the Mediator to offer happiness and life.
Avoiding Deception
We can avoid being deceived by (1) obtaining and remembering accurate information, (2) being vigilant but not paranoid, and (3) drawing closer to God, who can enlighten our minds and help us see more clearly.
Hearken and Search
To hearken is to listen attentively, intending to act on what you hear. To search is to proactively seek understanding. In the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord invites us to do both. Good disciples are good listeners and good seekers.
Springless Bows and the Blame Game
Nephi's brothers blamed him for breaking his bow, but their own bows had previously "lost their springs." Blaming and complaining may have come naturally, but they were not helpful. We need to override those thought patterns and engage in positive action.