Alma returns to the theme of control. This is essential when working with other people, especially in preaching the word as Alma has asked Shiblon to continue doing. We may be bold, but we must control ourselves so that boldness does not get out of hand and become overbearing. The result of bridling passions will be that he can be filled with love. It would appear that it is anger or the “darker” passions that we need to bridle. There is no suggestion that we need bridle our love for fellow man, indeed, bridling the darker passions will allow that love of man to expand.
Shiblon is also exhorted to refrain from idleness. If we are to be walking the path of God, we cannot “walk” while standing still, and idleness indicates a lack of action or movement. Of course this does not preclude legitimate rest, but there is an understandable difference between rest and idleness.