As Alma explains the difference between the self-humbled and those who are compelled to be humble, he emphasizes one of the most pernicious of internal hindrances to true humility: pride. The transition from verse 16 to 17, from a discussion of those who are “baptized without a stubbornness of heart,” leads him directly to the sign-seekers who still have a “stubbornness of heart.” They have a fixed way of seeing the world and resist seeing it change. They typically ask for a sign, not because they would truly believe if they received it, but because they are certain it will not come; therefore, they can use the absence of that miracle to continue holding on to their previous understanding. (See commentary accompanying Alma 30:43). The truly humble ask questions that lead to learning and understanding; the prideful ask questions that are designed to defend their own position.