The angel once more calls the attention of Nephi to the large and spacious building. (28) He is again reminded of the fact that it represents the “vain imaginations” (“wisdom”) and the pride of the world.
The author of the Apocryphal book generally known as Ecclesiasticus, but also called, “The Wisdom of Jesus, the Son of Sirach,” has something to say of both pride and humility. For instance:
“Pride is hateful before God and man: and by both [hatred and pride] doth one commit iniquity.”
“Why is earth and ashes proud? ... And he that is today a king tomorrow shall die.”
“The beginning of pride is when one departeth from God, and his heart is turned away from his maker.”
“For pride is the beginning of sin, and he that hath it shall pour out abomination.” (Eccl. 10:7-13)
Concerning humility:
“My son, go on with thy business in meekness; so shalt thou be beloved of him that is approved.”
“The greater thou art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt find favor before the Lord.”
“Mysteries are revealed unto the meek.” (3:17-19)
St. Paul cautions Timothy against appointing novices, that is, young converts, to responsible positions, “lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” (1 Tim. 3:6) From which it is inferred that pride was the beginning of the fall of Lucifer.
"Th’ infernal serpent, he it was whose guile ... deceived
The mother of mankind, what time his pride
Has cast him out from heaven with all his host
Of rebel angels: by whose aid aspiring
To set himself in glory ’bove his peers
He trusted to have equalled the Most High,
If he opposed: and with ambitious aim
Against the throne and monarchy of God,
Raised impious war in heaven, and battle proud,
With vain attempt. Him th’ Almighty Power
Hurled headlong flaming from th’ eternal sky,
With hideous ruin and combustion, down
To bottomless perdition."—Milton, Paradise Lost.