Ross Geddes (personal communication, 28 November 2004) suggests that the first instance of works may be an error for words. Note, in particular, the reference in the following clause to “who can deny his sayings”, a clear reference to words. But later in the passage the text twice refers to those who despise the works of the Lord: “who will despise the works of the Lord ... behold all ye that are despisers of the works of the Lord”. On the other hand, we can find some support further on (in the next verse) for inferring that one should not despise the words of the Lord:
The following example, in a biblical quote, also refers to those who despise the word of the Lord:
Although words is theoretically possible in Mormon 9:26 (to be sure, one can despise the words of the Lord), there is nothing textually wrong with works, the earliest reading: one can stand against (that is, oppose) the works of the Lord as well as his words. We have already discussed numerous instances where word(s) and work(s) have been mixed up in the transmission of the text; for two lists of examples, see under Alma 12:12–14. But since there is no textual variation for works here in Mormon 9:26 and one can oppose and despise the works of the Lord, the critical text will follow the reading of all the textual sources, namely, works throughout verse 26. Similarly, the invariant words will be maintained in verse 27.
Summary: Maintain the consistent use of works in Mormon 9:26; people can “stand against” (that is, oppose) the works of the Lord as well as despise the works of the Lord.