In character and action, Nephi is like the Jaredite prophet Ether, who “began to prophesy unto the people, for he could not be restrained because of the Spirit of the Lord which was in him” (Ether 12:2). Few accepted his teachings; most turned against him. Hardness of heart is a condition in which an individual misinterprets the well-intentioned outreach of one through whom the Spirit operates as being an act of aggression. Laman and Lemuel loathe their younger brother Nephi and conclude that he seeks unrighteous dominion over them. Lehi, as intermediary, attempts to persuade them that Nephi’s actions are charitable—intended for their welfare. The situation is an instructive example of the correct operation of the priesthood. Nephi continually tries in patience and kindness to share with his brothers the insights of pure knowledge he has received through prayer and revelation—resorting to boldness only when moved upon by the Spirit. As the Lord declares in modern times: “No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—Reproving betimes [i.e., immediately] with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy” (D&C 121:41–43).