Remarkably, it had been just over two years since the Nephites had buried their many dead. So many had been killed that every soul had cause to mourn (v. 3). Yet the Nephites are quick to forget the commandments of the Lord. They have established an amazing democracy based on egalitarianism, but the wicked heart doesn’t like the concept that all men are created equal as sons and daughters of God. The wicked heart likes superiority. If only in worldly attainments and fashionable clothing, the proud soul must establish its own preeminence. The attitude is encapsulated in the absurd sounding epithet, “I am better than you because my clothes cost more.”
"Symbols have only the meaning that people give them. Some symbols have been given inordinate value. For many, costly cars, extravagant homes and expensive clothes are symbols of worldly success. In some cases, these tangible objects have been given more meaning than almost everything else.
"All ages are affected by symbols, but the young are especially vulnerable. Lacking maturity and good judgment, some young people choose their friends by using certain fashion symbols as criteria. They look for specific labels on shoes, shirts and jackets. If ‘right’ labels aren’t there, they are hesitant to consider forming a friendship…Too young and immature to see how shallow their thinking really is, they inflict emotional wounds on others and, at the same time, deprive themselves of what could be rewarding associations.
"Without a good sense of self-esteem, the young often bring pain upon themselves as they agonize over what’s in fashion and whether they can afford it. To them, fashion labels are more important than function, fit or even comfort.
“The very young aren’t the only ones who lack perspective. In some circles, friends and associates become symbols that individuals have been accepted in a particular social class. Unscrupulous individuals feign mutual interests, use flattery, compromise beliefs and principles, and turn away from those who could be true friends. Their ulterior motive is to be accepted by those who might help boost their careers or social lives.” (Church News, June 23, 1990)
Orson Pratt
“But there is danger…if we become lifted up in the pride of our hearts and think, because we have gathered an abundance of the wealth of this world, that we are a little better than our poor brother who labors eight or ten hours a day at the hardest kind of labor. Any person having the name of Latter-day Saint who feels that he is better than, and distinguishes himself from, the poor and supposes that he belongs to a little higher class than they, is in danger.” (Journal of Discourses 17:31, as taken from Pure In Heart, p. 98)