As directed by the Lord, Jacob commences his chastening the people over the ir sin of pride. The Lord had led them to this land of promise that had a plentiful and natural supply of precious materials (v. 12). The lands of the Americas, where most of the readers of this work will reside, are the same lands, and the inhabitants today are given the same opportunities for riches. The Father is willing to give his people riches, but gives them the same warning that Jacob gave his people: “And if ye seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old” (D&C 38:39).
Jacob identifies the real cause of pride to his people, or any other people, “because some of you have obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren … ye suppose that ye are better than they” (Jacob 2:13). Jesus warned the rich young ruler: “With men that trust in riches, it is impossible [to enter the kingdom of God]; but not impossible with men who trust in God and leave all for my sake, for with such all these things are possible” (JST, Mark 10:26). The apostle Paul gave a similar warning to Timothy:
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. [1 Timothy 6:7–11]
After warning of God’s condemnation and power to smite them, Jacob gives an appropriate admonition to both the latter-day inhabitants of the lands: “let not this pride of your hearts destroy your soul” (Jacob 2:16). How timely for our day of wearing costly apparel, and our concern for what is “politically correct” rather than a desire to follow the will of the Lord. But the poor may also be guilty of pride. The Lord warns both the rich and the poor in this dispensation:
16 Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved!
17 Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, 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, and who will not labor with your own hands!
18 But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs. [D&C 56:16–18]