Mosiah 10:1-10

 Chapter 10

King Laman dies—His people are wild and ferocious and believe in false traditions—Zeniff and his people prevail against them. About 187–160 B.C.

1  AND it came to pass that we again began to establish the kingdom and we again began to possess the land in peace.  And I caused that there should be weapons of war made of every kind, that thereby I might have weapons for my people against the time the Lamanites should come up again to war against my people.
2  And I set guards round about the land, that the Lamanites might not come upon us again unawares and destroy us; and thus I did guard my people and my flocks, and keep them from falling into the hands of our enemies.

Mosiah 10:1-2 (Emphasis mine)

King Laman broke the agreement and attacked the people of Zeniff (see 9:14-18).  We read that Zeniff applied that old cliche - "Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me."  He knew he could no longer trust the Lamanites and promptly prepared to defend against a future attack.  

Zeniff had weapons made in preparation of another Lamanite attack.  He also set up guards to watch over the people, since this was how the Lamanites attacked previously.

3  And it came to pass that we did inherit the land of our fathers for many years, yea, for the space of twenty and two years [about 187 B.C.[.
4  And I did cause that the men should till the ground, and raise all manner of grain and all manner of fruit of every kind.
5  And I 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 we might clothe our nakedness; and thus we did prosper in the land—thus we did have continual peace in the land for the space of twenty and two years.

Mosiah 10:3-5(Emphasis mine)

We see that, for 22 years, the people prospered in the land.  There is no record of attacks so they were able to live in continual peace.  Once again, we see the blessings of the Lord on the Nephites when they are righteous.

 

6  And it came to pass that king Laman died, and his son began to reign in his stead.  And he began to stir his people up in rebellion against my people; therefore they began to prepare for war, and to come up to battle against my people.
7  But I had sent my spies out round about the land of Shemlon, that I might discover their preparations, that I might guard against them, that they might not come upon my people and destroy them.
8  And it came to pass that they came up upon the north of the land of Shilom, with their numerous hosts, men armed with bows, and with arrows, and with swords, and with cimeters, and with stones, and with slings; and they had their heads shaved that they were naked; and they were girded with a leathern girdle about their loins.
9  And it came to pass that I caused that the women and children of my people should be hid in the wilderness; and I also caused that all my old men that could bear arms, and also all my young men that were able to bear arms, should gather themselves together to go to battle against the Lamanites; and I did place them in their ranks, every man according to his age.
10  And it came to pass that we did go up to battle against the Lamanites; and I, even I, in my old age, did go up to battle against the Lamanites.  And it came to pass that we did go up in the strength of the Lord to battle.

Mosiah 10:6-10 (Emphasis mine)

 

We have a new king at the end of the 22 years of peace.  It appears that one of the first things he did was to prepare to go to war.  Once ready, it began.

This time the Nephites were prepared.  They had the weapons they needed for protecting themselves.  Any male who was able to bear arms was called up and expected to protect their lands.  All others were sent to safe places.  And, when they went to battle, they were strengthened by the Lord.

They had to have been a faithful people.  It looks as if they were facing a much stronger army.  If they would have had less faith, they would probably have been defeated.  

Placing our trust in the Lord is very important to us.  The scriptures give us insight into the importance.

 

10  And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Psalms 9:10 (Emphasis mine)

7  Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psalms 20:7 (Emphasis mine)

4  In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Psalms 56:4 (Emphasis mine)

25  The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Proverbs 29:25 (Emphasis mine)

28  Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

(Emphasis mine)

In the October 2010 General Conference, President. Henry B. Eyring said:

"The young Nephi in the Book of Mormon stirs in us a desire to develop trust in the Lord to obey His commandments, however hard they appear to us. Nephi faced danger and possible death when he said these words of trust that we can and must feel steadily in our hearts: '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.That trust comes from knowing God ...That same trust in God can bless nations. I have come to know that we can trust God to fulfill the promise of Alma that “behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have.  God does not rule in nations, but He is mindful of them. He can and does place people in positions of influence who want what is best for the people and who trust in the Lord ... You show your trust in Him when you listen with the intent to learn and repent and then you go and do whatever He asks. If you trust God enough to listen for His message in every sermon, song, and prayer in this conference, you will find it. And if you then go and do what He would have you do, your power to trust Him will grow, and in time you will be overwhelmed with gratitude to find that He has come to trust you."  (Emphasis mine)

 

Mosiah 9:11-19

11  Therefore it came to pass, that after we had dwelt in the land for the space of twelve years [about 188 B.C.] that king Laman began to grow uneasy, lest by any means my people should wax strong in the land, and that they could not overpower them and bring them into bondage.
12  Now they were a lazy and an idolatrous people; therefore they were desirous to bring us into bondage, that they might glut themselves with the labors of our hands; yea, that they might feast themselves upon the flocks of our fields.
13  Therefore it came to pass that king Laman began to stir up his people that they should contend with my people; therefore there began to be wars and contentions in the land.
14  For, in the thirteenth year [about 187 B.C.] of my reign in the land of Nephi, away on the south of the land of Shilom, when my people were watering and feeding their flocks, and tilling their lands, a numerous host of Lamanites came upon them and began to slay them, and to take off their flocks, and the corn of their fields.
15  Yea, and it came to pass that they fled, all that were not overtaken, even into the city of Nephi, and did call upon me for protection.

Mosiah 9:11-15 (Emphasis mine)

After twelve years, the people prospered in their new land.  Zeniff told us (v10 - see previous post) that the only reason King Laman agreed to let them settle in the lands was because he ultimately wanted to make them slaves to provide for the Lamanites.  The fact that they were becoming a strong people also  weighed heavily on the King's mind.

Zeniff explains why King Laman wanted to place Zeniff and his people into slavery (see v12).  The Lamanites were lazy.  They wanted to live off the work of others.

This brings up an interesting issue when reading the Book of Mormon.  Winston Churchill said that "History is written by the victor." What we read in the Book of Mormon was compiled by those (Nephi, Mormon, and Moroni) who were deeply religious men.  What we read we read from their perspective, philosophies, and biases.  

In this case, for whatever reason, Mormon chose to quote directly from a record rather than abridge this portion (chapters 10 & 11).  Beginning chapter 12, Mormon returns to his abridgement.  Why?  While we don't know, we can certainly speculate.  In my previous post, I explained that I believe Mormon's main purpose in his abridgement is to relate to us the constant rise and fall of Nephite society.  When they are righteous, they prosper.  When they are wicked, they suffer.  Zeniff's words support this.  While they were traveling to the land of Lehi-Nephi, they were wicked and suffered.  They repented, became a righteous people, and we read about their prosperity.  Zeniff's account fits Mormon's purposes quite well.  As we read the later record, we see that there are different stories being told at the same time.  It seems to help the flow of the narrative for Mormon to step in and abridge beginning with chapter 12. 

With few exceptions, the Lamanites don't come off well in the Book of Mormon.  References to them, as a people, are much like Zeniff's description.  The fact is we have no idea what they were really like.  We are reading history written by those who knew their records would be preserved for future generations.  I have no doubt that Zeniff and Mormon believe they are giving an accurate description of the Lamanites, but this is coming from the Nephite perspective.  

I'm not saying that the description is not correct, I'm just saying when we read the Book of Mormon, we have to remember we need to examine the motivation of Mormon (in this case).  Why did he include this story?  Why did he use the words he did?   By asking these questions, we get a better understanding of the Book of Mormon and the messages that are meant for us today.

Let's get back to the account.

As the Nephites prospered, they became strong and a threat (in King Laman's mind) to the safety of the Lamanites.  They were also a great source of free labor.  So, he sent in an army to  conquer the Nephites.  

The people saw the armies coming and went to Zeniff for protection.  

This was a situation that was similar to that faced by the Jews in Egypt.

8  Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
9  And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:
10  Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.
11  Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens.  And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.
12  But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew.  And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.
13  And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:
14  And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.

Exodus 1:8-14 (Emphasis mine)

Whether or not the Lamanites

6  ¶ Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
7  Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
8  Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
9  How long wilt thou asleep, O sluggard?  when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

Proverbs 6:6-9 (Emphasis mine)

4  The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 13:4 (Emphasis mine)

10  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11  For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12  Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
13  But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-13 (Emphasis mine)

In the October 2010 General Conference, Elder Patrick Kearon of the First Quorum of the Seventy said:

"... I testify from my own experience as a boy and as a man that disregarding what we know to be right, whether through laziness or rebelliousness, always brings undesirable and spiritually damaging consequences ,,, When it comes to how we live the gospel, we must not respond with laziness or rebelliousness ... Deviating to the right or the left of the safe track ahead of us, whether because of laziness or rebelliousness, can prove fatal to our spiritual lives. There are no exceptions to this rule." (Emphasis mine)

6 And it came to pass that I did arm them with bows, and with arrows, with swords, and with cimeters, and with clubs, and with slings, and with all manner of weapons which we could invent, and I and my people did go forth against the Lamanites to battle.
17  Yea, in the strength of the Lord did we go forth to battle against the Lamanites; for I and my people did cry mightily to the Lord that he would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, for we were awakened to a remembrance of the deliverance of our fathers.
18  And God did hear our cries and did answer our prayers; and we did go forth in his might; yea, we did go forth against the Lamanites, and in one day and a night we did slay three thousand and forty–three; we did slay them even until we had driven them out of our land.
19  And I, myself, with mine own hands, did help to bury their dead.  And behold, to our great sorrow and lamentation, two hundred and seventy–nine of our brethren were slain.

Mosiah 9:16-19 (Emphasis mine)

The Nephites went to war to preserve themselves and their society.  At this time, they are a righteous people.  They asked the Lord to help  them in their battle.  And, He did.  They successfully defeated a much larger and stronger army than theirs.  Their losses were much smaller than the Lamanites; but, there was much sorry over their losses even though they won.

11  The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Psalms 29:11 (Emphasis mine)

4  Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee.  Selah.
5  Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.

Psalms 84:4-5 (Emphasis mine)

28  The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
29  The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Proverbs 10:28-29 (Emphasis mine)

So we see that the people of Zeniff prospered in their righteousness.  When a stronger army came to conquer them, they were able  to defeat this army, strengthened by the Lord. 

Mosiah 9:1-10

Having completed Nephi(1)'s Appendix - The Doctrine of Christ, it is time to move on to a new set of scriptures.  After spending some time reviewing the Book of Mormon, I choose Mosiah 9-22.  This is the record of Zeniff.

There are some wonderful and powerful teachings in these chapters.  We meet the prophet Abinadai and read his great and powerful teachings to the wicked king and his priests.  We learn of Alma(1) and his conversion.

Another reason I wanted to look at this story is because it gives us a great look at Mormon's approach to his abridgement.  One theme that is common in his abridgement is the rise of the people when they are righteous and the fall of them when they turn away from the Lord.  As we move along, I will point out some of the characteristics of Mormon's style.

On to the Record of Zeniff.

THE RECORD OF ZENIFF—

An account of his people, from the time they left the land of Zarahemla until the time that they were delivered out of the hands of the Lamanites.  Comprising chapters 9 to 22 inclusive.

Chapter 9

Zeniff leads a group from Zarahemla to possess the land of Lehi-Nephi—The Lamanite king permits them to inherit the land—There is war between the Lamanites and Zeniff's people. About 200–187 B.C.

1  I, ZENIFF, having been taught in all the language of the Nephites, and having had a knowledge of the land of Nephi, or of the land of our fathers' first inheritance, *[About 200 B.C.] and having been sent as a spy among the Lamanites that I might spy out their forces, that our army might come upon them and destroy them—but when I saw that which was good among them I was desirous that they should not be destroyed.
2  Therefore, I contended with my brethren in the wilderness, for I would that our ruler should make a treaty with them; but he being an austere and a blood-thirsty man commanded that I should be slain; but I was rescued by the shedding of much blood; for father fought against father, and brother against brother, until the greater number of our army was destroyed in the wilderness; and we returned, those of us that were spared, to the land of Zarahemla, to relate that tale to their wives and their children.

Mosiah 9:1-2 (Emphasis mine)

Mormon begins the tale by quoting directly from Zeniff's record.  We learn that Zeniff was a spy for the Nephites.  As he got to know the Lamanites, he found them to be a good people.  He didn't want to see them destroyed.

Not surprisingly, when the guy in charge ("our ruler" - v2) wanted the Lamanites killed, most of the people with Zeniff also wanted them killed.  His recommendations were not well accepted and this led to a fight.

The fight was bad.  Apparently the majority of the Nephite army died in the battle.  Once the dust had settled, they went back home, to Zarahemla.

As Zeniff begins his record, he tells us that he was "taught in all the language of the Nephites."  I find it interesting that he chose to make this point.  Why would he?  I would think for two reasons.

• We are now 400 years from the time Lehi and his family began their journey to the Americas.  Over 400 years, the traditional language of the Nephites would have undergone changes.  Compare the language of today with the writings of William Shakespeare.  The language is basically the same, but there are many words and phrases unknown to us today.  From the records, it appears that there were two languages - an everyday language and a formal written language for the plates.  Zeniff would have had to learn both languages in order to use the written language.
• I believe this is an example where we see that there were other people in the Americas when Lehi and family arrived.  These locals had their own languages.  It would not be surprising in the least to learn that the original language had changed over the centuries as the language of the locals became incorporated into everyday speech.  

3  And yet, I being over–zealous to inherit the land of our fathers, collected as many as were desirous to go up to possess the land, and started again on our journey into the wilderness to go up to the land; but we were smitten with famine and sore afflictions; for we were slow to remember the Lord our God.
4  Nevertheless, after many days' wandering in the wilderness we pitched our tents in the place where our brethren were slain, which was near to the land of our fathers.
5  And it came to pass that I went again with four of my men into the city, in unto the king, that I might know of the disposition of the king, and that I might know if I might go in with my people and possess the land in peace.
6  And I went in unto the king, and he covenanted with me that I might possess the land of Lehi-Nephi, and the land of Shilom.
7  And he also commanded that his people should depart out of the land, and I and my people went into the land that we might possess it.
8  And we began to build buildings, and to repair the walls of the city, yea, even the walls of the city of Lehi-Nephi, and the city of Shilom.
9  And we began to till the ground, yea, even with all manner of seeds, with seeds of corn, and of wheat, and of barley, and with neas, and with sheum, and with seeds of all manner of fruits; and we did begin to multiply and prosper in the land.
10  Now it was the cunning and the craftiness of king Laman, to bring my people into bondage, that he yielded up the land that we might possess it.

Mosiah 9:3-10 (Emphasis mine)

Zeniff had a great desire to return to the land of Nephi, where everything began.  It appears that many others felt the same way.  He organized a group of settles and left Zarahemla to return to the first home. 

Things didn't go well for them.  Zeniff records that they were "slow to remember the Lord."  They suffered as they traveled.

This is a common theme we will see in Mormon's abridgement.  He emphasizes the cyclical nature of Nephite society.  When things are going good, they people forget who was responsible for their prosperity and they become a wicked people, slow to remember the Lord (if they do at all).  When the people fall away, something happens.  The Lord might send a drought that results in a famine.  The Lamanites may attack and, when in the past they were able to defeat these mighty armies, they would suffer major defeats because the Lord was no longer with them. 

The pain and suffering would humble the people and they would return to the Lord.  As they became a righteous people, they once again prospered.  Then, they turned away from the Lord.  This pattern occurs throughout Nephite history until the society ultimate collapses and is no more.

It is important to Mormon to emphasize consequences.  The consequence of bring righteous is prosperity.  The consequence of evil is suffering.  The Lord sends prophets to the Nephites during their wicked times, calling them to repentance and to return to the Lord.  The prophets warn them that, if they don't, they would suffer many pains and sorrow.  Even after being warned, the people seldom heeded the words of the prophets. 

Mormon gave us this history as a warning to us.  Remember, as he was abridging the many plates, he was watching his society collapse and coming to an end.  He was seeing the ultimate consequences of wickedness.  He hoped that we would learn from the Nephite failure and avoid the consequences of wickedness. 

Back to the record.

The people finally arrived in the land of Lehi-Nephi.  Zeniff went to the King and asked him to give them that land as well as some other land.  King Laman readily agreed to give them the land.  He even went so far as to remove and relocate the Lamanite people already living in there.  Zeniff and his people entered an empty land.

They went to work building their society.  They built new buildings.  They planted crops.  (Here we learn of two Nephite words - neas and sheum.  Don't know what they were!) 

They had apparently returned to the Lord, because they began to prosper in the land.  But all was not well.

King Laman had an ulterior motive.  He wanted the land for the Lamanites.  He wanted to make the Nephites slaves.  He was waiting for the Nephites to make something of the land and he planned to break his agreement and retake the land.

This is setting up events that will continue the entire time they Nephites remain in the land of Lehi-Nephi.

2 Nephi 33:10-15

10  And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ.  And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.
11  And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness.
12  And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day.

2 Nephi 33:10-12 (Emphasis mine)

Nephi(1) is closing his record on the small plates.  If we estimate 588 B.C. as the year they arrived, he has been in the New World over 40 years (using 545 B.C. as the year he ends his writings - see heading).  If we assume Nephi(1) was in his early 20's when they arrived, his now in his late 60's to his early 70's.  He probably knows his life is ending.  (His death is recorded in Jacob 1:12.)  He most likely knows that these will be his last words.  He's doubtlessly preparing to give the records to Jacob.  We should keep these things in mind as we read his closing comments.  

Nephi(1) tells us one last time to believe his words and accept Christ.  Then he says if you can't believe in and accept Nephi(1) and his words, then still believe in Christ.  He knows that, if you truly believe in Christ, you will accept his words because his words are Christ's words.  

But, if you still choose to reject his words, he will face you as you stand before the judgement bar.  Then you will know for a surety that his writings and words are Christ's words.  

In these words, we can learn much about Nephi(1).  He is a humble man, giving Christ all the credit.  He even acknowledges his weakness in writing again, knowing that we would only get his teachings through his writings.  His faith is deep and unshakable.  He knows what he knows and he doesn't apologize for it.  He has suffered at the hands of his brothers and others because of his faith and teachings.  Nephi(1) never hesitates to place his faith in the Lord.  He loves us and cares deeply for us.  He is concerned about our eternal welfare.  He knew we would be reading his words today.  His teachings and testimony is as much for us as it is for his people.  He wants to make sure we understand the consequences of not accepting his words, and if we reject his words, we reject Christ. 

In the September 1976 Ensign, Allen E. Bergin wrote and article called Nephi, a Universal Man. Describing Nephi(1), he wrote:

"Nephi was that rare combination: a great prophet who is also a founder of a nation. As prophet, he succeeded his father Lehi as spiritual leader in ancient America and laid the groundwork for the heights of righteousness later achieved. As ruler of a new nation, he was so beloved of his people that when “he anointed a man to be a king and a ruler over his people,” the people insisted on calling his successors “second Nephi, third Nephi, and so forth.” (Jacob 1:9–11.) And his influence was so great that for a thousand years the people called themselves Nephites. Near the end of that millennium, Mormon took pride in declaring himself to be a descendant of Nephi. (Morm. 1:5.) ... we sometimes fail to recognize that Nephi was one of the “universal men” of this world’s history, a person of multiple talents and skills. He led the establishment of a major civilization in the “new” world (2 Ne. 5:6, 10–11, 13); he possessed the intellect, skills, insight, and leadership capacities that class him among the great colonizers of all time. We do not usually apply the term “pioneer” to him, but we should ... In my opinion, there is nothing more powerful in these first 107 pages of the Book of Mormon than Nephi’s continuing testimony of Jesus, that he 'is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself unto all nations.' I recall very clearly how some years ago, as a young college student investigator, I read and reread these challenging testimonies. My initial approach had been skeptical, even cynical, and I wrote critical remarks along the margins as I read, commenting upon the weaknesses in logic, grammar, and philosophy. When I came to those last two pages (2 Ne. 33), however, I was stunned by the power of Nephi’s words. They seemed to penetrate my brain and scatter my previously systematic, critical thoughts. I could not avoid the impact of his words. It was almost as physical as if Nephi were using his shock technique on me, pointing his finger and shaking my mind. I read his words again and they seemed to grip me. Briefly and involuntarily, a sweet feeling came over me that later I recognized as having been the Spirit of Christ, the witness of his reality and his loving closeness." (Emphasis mine)

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13  And now, my beloved brethren, all those who are of the house of Israel, and all ye ends of the earth, Farewell until that great day shall come.
14  And you that will not partake of the goodness of God, and respect the words of the Jews, and also my words, and the words which shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the Lamb of God, behold, I bid you an everlasting farewell, for these words shall condemn you at the last day.
15  For what I seal on earth, shall be brought against you at the judgment bar; for thus hath the Lord commanded me, and I must obey.  Amen.

2 Nephi 33:13-15 (Emphasis mine)

We have our last recorded words of Nephi(1).  He tells us that his voice will cry from the dust.  Isaiah referred to the words in the Book of Mormon.

4  And thou shalt be brought down, and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust.

Isaiah 29:4 (Emphasis mine)

To those who refuse to accept his words and Christ, Nephi(1) bids them an eternal farewell.  His words and teachings will stand as a witness against them.  They will not be able to say they didn't know; that they didn't understand.  Nephi(1) taught us and warned us.  If we fail to heed his words and accept Christ, we will only have ourselves to blame.  We will be responsible for the eternal consequences we will face.  

I feel it is very appropriate that his last recorded words are that he was commanded of the Lord to write and preach what he did, and, so great was his faith, he knew he had no choice but to obey. To the last, Nephi(1) was the humble servant of the Lord.

21  ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 7:21 (Emphasis mine)

24  ¶ Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Matthew 7:24-25 (Emphasis mine)

16  Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
17  If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

John 7:16-17 (Emphasis mine)

Here we see Nephi(1)'s words anticipated Christ's future words.

Nephi(1) was truly a powerful and faithful servant of the Lord.  Throughout his life, no matter what the challenge, he stayed true to his faith.

He taught the gospel using plain and simple language.  In some ways, I'm grateful that Martin Harris lost the first 116 manuscript pages.  In their place, we have these great, wonderful, and powerful teachings.  If you want an example of how to live of life of faith, we should look no further than Nephi(1).  He is one of the best examples we could follow.

2 Nephi 33:4-9

4  And I know that the Lord God will consecrate my prayers for the gain of my people.  And the words which I have written in weakness will be made strong unto them; for it persuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and persuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end, which is life eternal.
5  And it speaketh harshly against sin, according to the plainness of the truth; wherefore, no man will be angry at the words which I have written save he shall be of the spirit of the devil.

2 Nephi 33:4-5 (Emphasis mine)

After Nephi(1)'s prayer for his people, he tells us that he knows the Lord will support and stand by him.  He knows this because his words are a message to his people from the Lord. This is what He wants them to know and understand.  Repent, get back on the right path, or you will lose everything in the eternities.  Whatever words bring us to Jesus and inspires us to endure to the end so that we may obtain eternal life is the true word of the Lord.  We will know this through the Holy Ghost.

Plainness is what matters.  We understand best through plain and simple words.  The only way we will not accept these words if we are guided by the spirit of the devil.  The Holy Ghost leads us to truth.  The devil leads us away from that truth.

16  ¶ And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
17  And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good?  there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
18  He saith unto him, Which?  Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19  Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Matthew 19:16-19 (Emphasis mine)

14  ¶ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16  ¶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:14-16 (Emphasis mine)

66  ¶ From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
67  Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
68  Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go?  thou hast the words of eternal life.
69  And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

John 6:66-69 (Emphasis mine)

 

27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29  My Father, which agave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

John 10:27-29 (Emphasis mine)

12  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

1 Timothy 6:12 (Emphasis mine)

6  I glory in plainness;
          I glory in truth;
    I glory in my Jesus, 
          for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.
7  I have charity for my people, 
          and great faith in Christ 
          that I shall meet many souls spotless at his judgment–seat.
8  I have charity for the Jew

         (I say Jew, because I mean them from whence I came.)
9  I also have charity for the Gentiles.  

         But behold, for none of these can I hope except they shall be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life, and continue in the path until the end of the day of probation.

2 Nephi 33:6-9 (Emphasis mine)

(Note:  Formatting used for vs. 6-9 comes from "The Book of Mormon - A Reader's Edition" by Grant Hardy, pgs. 137-138) 

Nephi(1) waxes poetic as he celebrates Christ.  He restates his faith and trust in Christ.  Throughout his writings, he is constant is his praise and expression of trust in Him.  

He shares his deep and abiding love for all men.  This is a major motivation for his words and writings. He doesn't want to lose his people.  He lost his family when they separated into the two groups (2 Nephi 5:5-7).  His pain at this loss is readily apparent throughout his personal record.  Now he is doing everything he can to not suffer this loss again.

He closes his preachings with a reminder of the basic and eternal truth - we can only be saved through accepting Christ and following His teaching, enduring to the end. 

18  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (Emphasis mine)

20  And, having; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Colossians 1:20 (Emphasis mine) 

 

In the October 2000 General Conference, Elder Donald L. Hallstrom said:

"To achieve eternal goals, we must reconcile our earthly culture with the doctrine of the everlasting gospel. This process involves embracing all that is spiritually elevating in our family and societal traditions and discarding that which is a barrier to our eternal view and achievement. We must transform ourselves from being “natural” men and women as defined by King Benjamin, and “becometh a saint” by yielding “to the enticings of the Holy Spirit” (see Mosiah 3:19)." (Emphasis mine)

 

In the October 2007 General Conference, he said:

"Now is the time to exercise our faith. Now is the time to commit to righteousness. Now is the time to do whatever is required to resolve our undesired circumstances. Now is the time to reconcile with God through the merciful process of change afforded us by the Redeemer of mankind." (Emphasis mine)

 In the same General Conference, Elder Bruce D. Porter said:

"The poet Rudyard Kipling wrote the following words in 1897, an admonition to the British 

Empire against pride:

The tumult and the shouting dies;

The captains and the kings depart.

Still stands thine ancient sacrifice,

An humble and a contrite heart.

When Kipling spoke of a contrite heart as an “ancient sacrifice,” perhaps he had in mind the words of King David in the 51st Psalm: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:,a broken and a contrite heart” (v. 17). David’s words show that even in Old Testament times, the Lord’s people understood that their hearts must be given to God, that burnt offerings alone were not enough.  The sacrifices mandated during the Mosaic dispensation pointed symbolically to the atoning sacrifice of the Messiah, who alone could reconcile sinful man with God. As Amulek taught, “Behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; … the Son of God” (Alma 34:14) ... As in all things, the Savior’s life offers us the perfect example: though Jesus of Nazareth was utterly without sin, He walked through life with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, as manifested by His submission to the will of the Father. “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38). To His disciples He said, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). And when the time came to pay the ultimate sacrifice entailed in the Atonement, Christ shrank not to partake of the bitter cup but submitted completely to His Father’s will. The Savior’s perfect submission to the Eternal Father is the very essence of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Christ’s example teaches us that a broken heart is an eternal attribute of godliness. When our hearts are broken, we are completely open to the Spirit of God and recognize our dependence on Him for all that we have and all that we are. The sacrifice so entailed is a sacrifice of pride in all its forms. Like malleable clay in the hands of a skilled potter, the brokenhearted can be molded and shaped in the hands of the Master." (Emphasis mine)

In the October 2001 General Conference, Elder Charles Didier shared an experience and likened it to reconciliation.

"When I was a young man living in a city called Namur in Belgium, there was a large river separating it from an adjacent city on the other side of the river. At that time, only one bridge connected the two cities. It had been built and rebuilt over the remnants of a bridge built centuries before by the Roman conquerors. It had become too narrow for the traffic, and there were too many small arches to allow the passage of large boats and barges. A new bridge was necessary, wider and with only one arch. The work to establish the foundations soon started on both sides of the river. Rapidly, two huge metallic arms began to stretch from each side with the aim to meet together in the middle of the river. I was fascinated by the engineering and rode my bicycle almost every day to watch the progress of the work. Finally the day came when the centerpiece, a cornerstone made of steel, was going to link the two arms together. Crowds were now watching with me the delicate operation, the final step that would join the two arms together and permit crossing the bridge for the first time. When it took place, people applauded, workers embraced; the obstacle of the river had been conquered and overcome.  I mention this experience because of the symbolism that it represents. The bridge is more than a bridge of metal. It symbolizes the bridge of faith enabling us, children of our Heavenly Father, to meet Him again. The centerpiece of the bridge, the cornerstone, represents the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the Mediator, the link between mortality and immortality, the connection between the natural man and the spiritual man, the change from temporal life to eternal life. It is because of Him that mankind can be reconciled with their Heavenly Father and that we can overcome the walls of sin and mortality, these obstacles that represent spiritual and physical death. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of the plan of salvation, the promised reunion with our Heavenly Father, as we read in the book of Moses: “This is the plan of salvation unto all men, through the blood of mine Only Begotten, who shall come in the meridian of time” (Moses 6:62).  The love of God, the other side of the bridge, is the reward of our faith in His Son, Jesus the Christ. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16). The greatest of all the gifts of God is the supreme sacrifice of His Son, His Atonement, that brings not only immortality but also eternal life if we keep His commandments and endure to the end (see D&C 14:7)."(Emphasis mine)

Reconciliation with Christ is essential for our salvation.  May we all do what is necessary to obtain the eternal life promised us by our Savior.

 

2 Nephi 33:1-3

Chapter 33 Heading

Nephi's words are true—They testify of Christ—Those who believe in Christ will believe Nephi's words—They shall stand as a witness before the judgment bar. About 559–545 B.C.
 

1  AND now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.

2 Nephi 33:1 (Emphasis mine)

Nephi(1) is finishing his writings.  His death is recorded in the Book of Jacob (see Jacob 1:12).  The heading to Jacob, Chapter 1, dates that chapter beginning 544 BC, one year after the time covered by this chapter.  His life is ending and he wants to leave one last testimony for his people.  As we read his words in this chapter, we should keep this in mind.  It can help us fully understand and appreciate the spirit of his words.

He begins by expressing his concerns that, while he is mighty in speaking, he is a weaker writer.  (I have found Nephi(1)'s words to be very powerful.  If he was a better speaker, I truly wish I could have had the opportunity to hear him preach the gospel.  It must have been quite an experience!)  According to Nephi(1), when someone speaks through the power of the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost touches the hearts of the listeners.

This is important because the Holy Ghost testifies to the truthfulness of the gospel, the divinity,words,  and mission of Christ.  He is a powerful witness to us to help us know the truthfulness of what we hear.

In the April 2001 General Conference, then Young Women's General President Margaret D. Nadauld said:

"The Lord promises us that “because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer” (Moro. 8:26).  Your Heavenly Father will help you find the right path as you seek His guidance. Remember though, after you pray you must get off your knees and start doing something positive; head in the right direction! He will send people along the way who will assist you, but you must be doing your part as well. By the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, you can be guided in your trip through life. Point number three—the Holy Ghost is also a testifier. This Holy Spirit can help you really understand deep down inside the most important truth ever known—that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and that because of Him every one of us who ever lived will one day live again ... The Holy Spirit is a comforter, a guide, a testifier. What a remarkable and holy member of the Godhead. And you have the right to His influence and inspiration! How blessed and loved you are! " (Emphasis mine)

In the October 2009 General Conference, Elder Richard G. Scott said:

"Father in Heaven knew that you would face challenges and be required to make some decisions that would be beyond your own ability to decide correctly. In His plan of happiness, He included a provision for you to receive help with such challenges and decisions during your mortal life. That assistance will come to you through the Holy Ghost as spiritual guidance. It is a power, beyond your own capability, that a loving Heavenly Father wants you to use consistently for your peace and happiness ...Now I share an experience that taught me a way to gain spiritual guidance. One Sunday I attended the priesthood meeting of a Spanish branch in Mexico City. I vividly recall how a humble Mexican priesthood leader struggled to communicate the truths of the gospel in his lesson material. I noted the intense desire he had to share those principles he strongly valued with his quorum members. He recognized that they were of great worth to the brethren present. In his manner, there was an evidence of a pure love of the Savior and love of those he taught.  His sincerity, purity of intent, and love permitted a spiritual strength to envelop the room. I was deeply touched. Then I began to receive personal impressions as an extension of the principles taught by that humble instructor. They were personal and related to my assignments in the area. They came in answer to my prolonged, prayerful efforts to learn ... As each impression came, I carefully wrote it down. In the process, I was given precious truths that I greatly needed in order to be a more effective servant of the Lord. The details of the communication are sacred and, like a patriarchal blessing, were for my individual benefit. I was given specific directions, instructions, and conditioned promises that have beneficially altered the course of my life ... What I have described is not an isolated experience. It embodies several true principles regarding communication from the Lord to His children here on earth. "  (Emphasis mine)

16  Rejoice evermore.
17  Pray without ceasing.
18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19  Quench not the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (Emphasis mine)

19  ¶ Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
20  And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side.  Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
21  Then said Jesus to them again,
22  And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

John 20:19- 22 (Emphasis mine)

2  But behold, there are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught.

It appears that there were many who did not accept Nephi(1)'s words.  This, he tells us, is because they harden their hearts against the message.  The words mean nothing to them.  They reject the words and go on as if there's nothing wrong.

1  THE word of the LORD also came unto me, saying,
2  Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.

Ezekiel 12:1-2 (Emphasis mine)

12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
13  But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
14  Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind.  And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Matthew 15:12-14 (Emphasis mine)

37  ¶ But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
38  That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report?  and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
39  Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
40  He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

John 12:37-40 (Emphasis mine)

3  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the flight of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (Emphasis mine) 

17  This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18  Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

Ephesians 4:17-18 (Emphasis mine)

3  But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth, and especially unto my people.  

For I pray continually for them by day, 

     and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; 

and I cry unto my God in faith, 

     and I know that he will hear my cry.

2 Nephi 33:3 (Emphasis mine)

Nephi(1) will not apologize for what he has written (preached) to his people.  He taught what he taught and preached what he preached because he know it was important that his people know and understand these principles.

In the April 2010 General Conference, Elder D. Todd Christofferson said:

"Through the scriptures, God does indeed 'show forth his power' to save and exalt His children. By His word, as Alma said, He enlarges our memory, sheds light on falsehood and error, and brings us to repentance and to rejoice in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.  The scriptures enlarge our memory by helping us always to remember the Lord and our relationship to Him and the Father. They remind us of what we knew in our premortal life. And they expand our memory in another sense by teaching us about epochs, people, and events that we did not experience personally. None of us was present to see the Red Sea part and cross with Moses between walls of water to the other side. We were not there to hear the Sermon on the Mount, to see Lazarus raised from the dead, to see the suffering Savior in Gethsemane and on the cross, and we did not, with Mary, hear the two angels testify at the empty tomb that Jesus was risen from the dead. You and I did not go forward one by one with the multitude in the land Bountiful at the resurrected Savior’s invitation to feel the prints of the nails and bathe His feet with our tears. We did not kneel beside Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove and gaze there upon the Father and the Son. Yet we know all these things and much, much more because we have the scriptural record to enlarge our memory, to teach us what we did not know. And as these things penetrate our minds and hearts, our faith in God and His Beloved Son takes root.  The scriptures also enlarge our memory by helping us not forget what we and earlier generations have learned. Those who either don’t have or ignore the recorded word of God eventually cease to believe in Him and forget the purpose of their existence. You will remember how important it was for Lehi’s people to take the brass plates with them when they left Jerusalem. These scriptures were key to their knowledge of God and the coming Redemption of Christ. The other group that 'came out from Jerusalem' shortly after Lehi had no scriptures, and when Lehi’s descendants encountered them some 300 or 400 years later, it is recorded that 'their language had become corrupted; … and they denied the being of their Creator' (Omni 1:15, 17). " (Emphasis mine)

3  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Matthew 4:3-4 (Emphasis mine)

39 ¶ Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40  And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

John 5:39-40 (Emphasis mine)

15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 Timothy 3:15-16 (Emphasis mine)

And, despite the people's unwillingness to listen, Nephi(1) prays and weeps for them, because of their unbelief.  And, because of his faith, he knows his prayers will be heard.

4  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Acts 6:4 (Emphasis mine)

17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Ephesians 6:17-18 (Emphasis mine)

6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (Emphasis mine)

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.
6  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

James 1:5-6 (Emphasis mine)

12  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do devil.

1 Peter 3:12 (Emphasis mine)

2 Nephi 32:1-9

Chapter 32 Heading

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost—Men must pray and gain knowledge for themselves from the Holy Ghost. About 559–545 B.C.

1  AND now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way.  But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts?
2  Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels?  And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?
3  Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ.  Wherefore, I said unto you, bfeast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

2 Nephi 32:1-3 (Emphasis mine)

Nephi(1) asks why we carefully consider his words before we made a decision?  He has taught the principles to them, for example, they can speak with the tongue of angels after they have received the Holy Ghost.  He has taught them that angles speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, that they speak the words of Christ.  He tells them to feast on the words of Christ and you will learn all things you must do.

15  ¶ O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.
16  Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Jeremiah 15:15-16 (Emphasis mine)

35  And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

John 6:35 (Emphasis mine)

4  Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark.
5  For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.6  Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh.  And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do
7  And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be.

2 Nephi 32:4-7 (Emphasis mine)

Nephi(1) next informs us if we don't understand these words, it's our fault.  Why?  We don't ask!  It's that simple.  If we ask, we will know the truth.  We will now the way.  The Holy Ghost will show us all things we should do.  This, Nephi(1) writes, is the doctrine of Christ.

And he cannot continue.  He has been commanded the Spirit to stop teaching at this point.  This is because of the wickedness of men.  Even when we receive teachings in plain and simple language, we still cannot understand.  So, he stops. 

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.
6  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

James 1:5-6 (Emphasis mine)

14  ¶ Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

Mark 16:14 (Emphasis mine)

24  Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt?  If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
25  Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
26  But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

John 10:24-26 (Emphasis mine)

14  Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Proverbs 28:14 (Emphasis mine)

52  For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

Mark 6:52 (Emphasis mine)

8  Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.

2 Chronicles 30:8 (Emphasis mine)

8  And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing.  For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the devil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray.
9  But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.

2 Nephi 32:8 - 9 (Emphasis mine)

How do we overcome this stiffneckedness?  Pray.  The Spirit teaches us to pray.  It is the devil who teaches us not to pray.  Why shouldn't he?  He knows that if we pray, with a sincere heart, we will receive our answers.  That's the last thing he wants from us.

Nephi(1) closes this chapter telling us to pray always.  Pray that he will consecrate what we do do, so that what we do we do for our welfare.

20  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John 3:20-21 (Emphasis mine)

17  If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

John 7:17 (Emphasis mine)

14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (Emphasis mine)

7  ¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Matthew 7:7-8 (Emphasis mine)

12  Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Romans 12:12  (Emphasis mine)

Nephi(1) emphasized the importance of prayer.  In the October 2008, Elder David A. Bednar spoke on prayer.

"Simply stated, prayer is communication to Heavenly Father from His sons and daughters on earth. “As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part” (Bible Dictionary, “Prayer,” 752) ... prayer is a key part of the spiritual preparation for our day.  " (Emphasis mine)

Praying for guidance in what we do is the way we will receive "consecration in our performance. " In the October 2009 General Conference, Elder Richard G. Scott discussed the importance of spiritual guidance.

"In His plan of happiness, He included a provision for you to receive help with such challenges and decisions during your mortal life. That assistance will come to you through the Holy Ghost as spiritual guidance. It is a power, beyond your own capability, that a loving Heavenly Father wants you to use consistently for your peace and happiness ... Impressions of the Spirit can come in response to urgent prayer or unsolicited when needed. Sometimes the Lord reveals truth to you when you are not actively seeking it, such as when you are in danger and do not know it. However, the Lord will not force you to learn. You must exercise your agency to authorize the Spirit to teach you. As you make this a practice in your life, you will be more perceptive to the feelings that come with spiritual guidance. Then, when that guidance comes, sometimes when you least expect it, you will recognize it more easily. "  (Emphasis mine)

It is up to each one of us to learn the truth of Nephi(1)'s words.  We can do this through prayer.  As our faith grows we will become closer to the Holy Ghost.  As we become more and more in tune with the Holy Ghost, he becomes our guide in life. 

Then we will no longer have to ponder to the word God.  We will know the truthfulness of what we hear and our lives and performance will become consecrated by Christ.  It doesn't get any better than that.