Alma feared that Helaman might regard his anxiety over the future of the plates as a groundless worry, or that it was "foolishness in" him. But often we discern God's blessings come by simple means, and His providential care is manifest to us in small beginnings. Thus, the wise and those who rely upon their own understanding are confused and confounded. Truth needs no scholarly defense, but by abiding the Holy Spirit's promptings we are able to know the truth and accept its admonitions. If the plates, Alma suggested to Helaman, were constantly kept free from contamination, or the elements kept from befouling that which ought to be kept clean, pure, or sacred, the plates would live on forever; indeed a small means "to bring about His great and eternal purposes," and "the Salvation of many souls." This is a suitable place to repeat the words of Nephi:
O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.
2 Ne. 9:28-29)