The awakening and growth of the church was short lived. Pride again raised its ugly head, as they began to set their hearts upon riches. The wearing of costly apparel (v. 6), scorn and persecution and great contentions (vv. 8–9) are a part and parcel of the problem of pride. It is a reappearing problem throughout the Book of Mormon. Thus, we know why the Lord warned this generation to “beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old” (D&C 38:39). Sadly it was worse among the church members than those who were not members (Alma 4:9). It is, likewise, a problem among some Church members today. President Ezra Taft Benson warned:
Pride affects all of us at various times and in various degrees. Now you can see why the building in Lehi’s dream that represents the pride of the world was large and spacious and great was the multitude that did enter into it (see 1 Nephi 8:26, 33; 11:35–36).
Pride is the universal sin, the great vice. Yes, pride is the universal sin, the great vice. (Conference Report, Apr. 1989).
The effect of the wickedness of the church being a stumbling block was perhaps greater (v. 10). As we recognize many of these problems among us today, we must remember our individual accountability before God for such actions.