Amid much that was painful to their hearts, and perplexing to their minds, conditions which could have been alleviated by righteous appeal, the Nephites, nevertheless, refused to bow their heads in grateful acknowledgment of the many blessings God had bestowed upon them. Like their ancestors, the Jews, they were stiff-necked. They refused to listen to the words of God's servants, and sought the satisfaction of their lusts and appetites by indulging in carnal gratification. Their lives were a strange admixture of sin, and a desire therein for happiness. All sin is wickedness, and "Wickedness never was happiness"; (Helaman 13:38)
In their folly and foolishness the Nephites thought to deceive the Almighty with outward appearances of grief and penitence. But they did not come unto Him with broken hearts and contrite spirits, meaning hearts that were broken down with sorrow for sin; being humbly and thoroughly penitent; contrite spirits; spirits evincing sincere repentance. But instead of praising Him for His goodness and mercy, they cursed God, and expressed a wish to die. However, Mormon notes that "they would struggle with the sword for their lives."