Jacob 2

Jacob, the brother of Nephi, spoke to the Nephites. He said: I come to the temple to tell you God’s word. With the help of the all-powerful God, I tell you your thoughts.

You are beginning to try sin. I am sad that I must say these things about you in front of your wives and children, whose feelings are tender.

Many of you search for gold and silver, which is plentiful in this land. It is true that the hand of God has smiled on you with many riches. But some of you lift yourselves in pride. You have stiff necks and high heads because of the cost of your clothes. You put down others because you think you are better than they.

Do you think that God will help you do this? I say to you, no. He will punish you. He could turn you to dust with one look of His eye! Do not let the pride of your hearts destroy your souls! Get rid of this sin.

Think of others as you think of yourselves. Be friendly with all and share your things, so others may be rich like you.

Before you seek for riches, seek for the kingdom of God. After you have a hope in Christ, you can seek for riches if you want. Use it to help others—to get clothes for the poor and food for the hungry and freedom for the slaves and help for the sick.

You have done worse sins than pride. You have not been true to your wives; you have broken their hearts. You have lost the confidence of your children because of your bad example. The Lord says: I delight in chastity. I hear the cries of my fair daughters against their husbands.