Alma 37:35-37

Brant Gardner

What is Alma’s definition of wisdom? It is to keep the commandments of God. Alma has already emphasized the Nephite promise of the land, which is that they will prosper if they keep the commandments. Alma is telling Helaman that he desires that he should prosper, both personally, and as a representative of his people. If they keep the commandments, they will prosper, therefore, it is wise to do so.

On a personal level, how might one do that? Alma suggests that it includes recognizing God’s hand in one’s life, and keeping oneself open to God’s influence. Therefore, one should pray (“cry unto God for all thy support”) continually (“whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord”). One should listen for the answer to prayer (“counsel with the Lord in all thy doings”) and if one’s thoughts and actions are always guided by both the commandments and an openness to God’s spirit, then one may “be lifted up at the last day.”

Book of Mormon Minute

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