Impenitence is the primary source of suffering. Unrepentant sin cannot be covered over with the veneer of outward self-satisfaction and prideful aloofness. Suffering will inevitably emerge—both anguish of spirit as well as societal dislocation and disruption—until the process of faith, repentance, and compliance with all universal gospel principles of redemption is embraced with full and humble devotion.
We see that the Nephites are humbled because of affliction. How much better it is to be humbled by the word, as Alma stressed (see Alma 32:14). The virtue of humility brings about a willingness to change. We become easily entreated. We have a relationship with God and depend upon Him for all things. We have a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Let us be humbled by the word rather than by external pressures that bring us down into the depths of humility.