These Fall-induced “weaknesses of the flesh” impose natural limitations upon us all. Mortals are always bound by worldly weaknesses and limitations in strength, knowledge, and power. Recognizing these limitations in stark contrast to God’s infinite wisdom and power causes one to be humble.
“The foolishness of God is wiser than men,” declared Paul the Apostle, “and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). One of the purposes of the conditions created by the Fall is to impel men to acknowledge their own weaknesses of the flesh and depend more on the power of God than on the “arm of flesh” (see 2 Nephi 4:34; D&C 1:19; D&C 18:11). Hardships and afflictions in mortality are often allowed by an omniscient God in order to turn the hearts of the children of men to him (see Mosiah 1:17; Helaman 12:3; Psalms 78:34-35).
“I Give Unto Men Weakness That They May Be Humble”
Weaknesses of the flesh come in many forms, but all come as a result of the fall of Adam, which introduced into the world pains and problems, sicknesses and sorrows, temptations and trials. Not only did the nature of man become fallen- carnal, sensual, and devilish (see Ether 3:2; Mosiah 16:3; Alma 22:13)- but the entire world fell to a telestial state with all of its accompanying “weaknesses” and inherent problems.
Such weaknesses affect all mankind- even the prophets of God. “Notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am!” Nephi bemoaned. “Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me. And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins.” (2 Nephi 4:17-19; compare Paul’s similar struggles in Romans 7:19-21.)