Book of Mormon Commentary CofC - Odessa, Missouri Community ...

Book of Mormon Commentary
Jacob Chapter 2
2:16 Human nature seems to be the same in all ages. Few people can stand prosperity without
becoming proud and high-minded, thus alienating themselves from their Creator, who is "no
respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34). The Nephites manifested pride by wearing costly apparel, and
persecuting their less fortunate brethren. Jacob warned that God's "judgments must speedily come
unto you" (18). "Let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls" (21). (See 1:16)
Jac 2:22 Think of your brethren, like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all, and free with your
substance, that they may be rich like unto you.
2:22 Two outstanding items of scriptural advice are the "second commandment," "Love thy
neighbor as thyself" (Lev. 19:18), and "The love of money is the root of all evil" (I Tim. 6:10).
There is a world of meaning in both of these.
The term “familiar” has a primary meaning of “an intimate, a companion." In this sense it is quite
properly used by Jacob.
To be free with one's substance or generous is a Christian virtue which does not come easily .to
self-centered people. It is a character trait which needs to be taught in childhood. Consequently,
the child needs to have “substance," either goods or money, over which he has primary control.
Jac 2:24 And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ, ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will
seek them, for the intent to do good; to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the
captive, and administer relief to the sick, and the afflicted.
2:24 Notice this does not say that certain ones shall be rich. In Jesus' parable of the talents the man
with five talents acquired five more (Matt. 25:15 ff). Some men have money making talents and
therefore obtain riches. God is more concerned with what one does with the riches or what they do
to him.
In our day the Lord has said, "Woe unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the
poor, for your riches will canker your souls." Then he adds, “Woe unto you poor men, whose
...spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from
laying hold upon other men's goods, whose eyes are full of greediness" (D. and C.56:5a,c).
The rich are to have a place in establishing Zion (D. and C. 58: 3), but they are to put their riches
to good use through stewardship and consecration so that all may be blessed and be equal (D. and
C. 70:2 b, 3).
GROSSER CRIMES CONDEMNED, VER. 30-49
Jac 2:31 But the word of God burthens me because of your grosser crimes.
2:31 Jacob is pained to discuss the subject of their “many wives and concubines." They had
excused these plural marriages and whoredoms by saying that David and Solomon had many,
“which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord" (33). It is childish and evil to justify sin
on the basis that others did likewise. “Two wrongs do not make a right."
Jac 2:35 Wherefore, I, the Lord God, will not suffer that this people shall do like unto them of old.