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Word Before Deed, 1 Nephi 3:28-31

1 Nephi 3:28-31

Oh, the importance of perspective!

Having just escaped the supposed opposition, Nephi and his brothers conceal themselves in the cavity of a rock only to have Laman and Lemuel to break out in violent anger against their younger brothers. Surely they were besides themselves having just lost every worldly possession that they had had their hearts set upon. Any hope of returning to their riches was now gone. As far as they could see, the reason for the loss was Nephi. Nephi notes in his account that before they picked up the rod, they broke out in strong language against him and Sam.

This is an account in action of what James, the Lord's apostle, taught:
...The tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and is set on fire of hell. (James 3:5 & 6)
It is curious to note that James also teaches that a man can obtain perfection in the controlling of his tongue. This is one of the few things a person can hope to perfect in this lifetime. (see James 3:2)

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