Even though this chapter comes from the same source as the previous original chapter, it is given its own header. Mormon has included three instances of counsel to his three sons (to Helaman, chapters 36-37; to Shiblon in this chapter; to Corianton, chapters 39-42) because they suit Mormon’s purposes, which differed from the original reason Alma provided the counsel. It is possible that one of the reasons for the separate headers has to do with the names of the sons. Mormon has used names as a means of reinforcing his message, and it is possible that we are seeing him do that with the three sons.
Helaman is a good Nephite name, and Helaman is a good son. There is nothing negative about Helaman in the counsel given to him.
Shiblon, the subject of this chapter’s instance of counsel, which is by far the shortest, is an interesting case. He is also a good son, but he will be warned against the very actions that will be the subject of Corianton’s counsel.
Unlike the name Helaman, Corianton is very much a Jaredite name, and Mormon uses Jaredite names to suggest those who have strayed from the proper path. That defines Corianton. The name Shiblon represents ambivalence. A shiblon is a measure of value (which Mormon made sure to include, see Alma 11:15). However, it is also a Jaredite name. Shiblon, therefore, symbolically represents the middle between Helaman and Corianton. He is good, but must be cautioned against temptation.
Mormon intends his readers to be able to see themselves among these three types (or models). What will be most important in these types is that should we see ourselves in Corianton’s shoes, we will be able to take heart when we remember that Corianton repented and was later a faithful missionary, as we shall see.