The story of Amlici is another example of how wicked men sometimes seek governmental power in order to enforce their will on others. It also teaches that there are times when righteous people must take up arms to defend their laws and liberty. The Nephites were wise enough to rely on the strength of the Lord to help them maintain the voice of the people, the only sure way of combating attempts against it (see Alma 2:18, 28, 30–31).