After Amulek concluded his testimony to Zeezrom, Alma stepped in to confirm the words of Amulek and to teach the scriptures beyond what Amulek had done. Alma taught a profound principle: God cannot be fooled by anyone’s outward speech, for God knows a person’s inward thoughts, feelings, and intents. In fact, we know that the thoughts and intents of the heart constitute one of the criteria by which all people will be judged (D&C 137:9). Except in circumstances like this one, when the Holy Spirit reveals to God’s authorized servants the thoughts and intents of another, only God knows all the thoughts and intents of our hearts (D&C 6:16).
Zeezrom had devised “a very subtle plan, as to the subtlety of the devil.” The word “subtle” is used several times in the scriptures to describe something that is deceptive, elusive, shadowy, ingenious, clever, cunning, sly, tricky, or crafty (see, for example, Alma 47:4; D&C 123:12). All these terms characterize the evil one, whose constant effort is to entrap, ensnare, overpower, and destroy the souls of men and the work of God.