Alma 38:11 - 38:15

Alma 38: 11 See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength.

Even though Shiblon has shown strength and faithfulness, he should not brag about his own attributes. He might be a strong and dedicated, but it is not something a boast about.

I wonder if Shiblon had a tendency to tell folks about how good he was in the face of the trials he faced on the mission to the Zoramites. Here is a good lesson. We might be happy about our diligence but keep it to yourself. Just let your example be the evidence of your wisdom and strength.

Alma 38: 12 Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.

When Shiblon speaks to people do so with humility. Do not get in their face to show how wrong they may be. Keep control over his passions and be filled with love and admiration for those around him. And be always engaged in some sort of work that will further the cause of the gospel.

Alma 38: 13 Do not pray as the Zoramites do, for ye have seen that they pray to be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom.

Shiblon is not to pray like the Zoramites did, to be seen by all their friends and neighbors. A follower of Christ does not pray in order to get people to think they are wiser and better than those around them.

Alma 38: 14 Do not say: O God, I thank thee that we are better than our brethren; but rather say: O Lord, forgive my unworthiness, and remember my brethren in mercy—yea, acknowledge your unworthiness before God at all times.

One is not to pray thanking God that they are better than their neighbors. We are to pray seeking forgiveness of our sins and shortcomings. And we are to pray for our neighbors that they are granted mercy for their imperfections. In short just recognize and confess before God at all times, that we certainly fall short of what we should be.

Alma 38: 15 And may the Lord bless your soul, and receive you at the last day into his kingdom, to sit down in peace. Now go, my son, and teach the word unto this people. Be sober. My son, farewell.

Alma’s blessing to Shiblon. He is to be aware of who he is and act accordingly. If he does he certainly will be received into God’s kingdom and rest in His kingdom.

This certainly sounds like a letter rather than a sit down consolation that Alma recorded. This looks like a letter that Alma wants his son to read from time to time. This might be worth doing for each of our children as well.