“Watch Your Thoughts Words and Deeds”

Monte S. Nyman

Alma taught: “Our words will condemn us; yea, all our works will condemn us; … and our thoughts will also condemn us” (Alma 12:14). The Bible teaches likewise. Jesus said, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). He also said “blessed are the pure in heart [thoughts]” (Matthew 5:8); and “knowing their thoughts said, wherefore think ye evil in your hearts” (Matthew 9:4). The Proverbs teach, “For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Jesus taught that those who do evil deeds “shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous [those who do good deeds] into life eternal” (Matthew 25:46). Therefore, King Benjamin’s admonition to watch “your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God” (Mosiah 4:30) is timely for every dispensation.

Book of Mormon Commentary: These Records Are True

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