“He Perceived Their Thoughts - Ye Are Laying Traps and Snares to Catch the Holy Ones of God”

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

The enemies of God have no understanding of the gift of discernment (see 1 Corinthians 12:10; D&C 46:23). So often in the accounts of the prophets of God we read of their being able to read the thoughts of their interrogators and listeners—to the condemnation of the wicked (as in this case) or to the inspired guidance of those in whom the light of the gospel is beginning to dawn (see the experience of Ammon with King Lamoni—Alma 18:16, 20). Through the light of Christ, all individuals receive, to one degree or another, the gift of being able to discern between good and bad, right and wrong (see Moroni 7:12–19). Church leaders who are called upon to be judges in Israel (such as bishops and stake presidents) follow the Spirit in discerning the hearts of those for whom they are responsible so as to be able to guide them in righteous pathways. Missionaries learn through the Spirit to discern the attitudes and feelings of those whom they are teaching. In the case of the prophets of God, such as Amulek and Alma, even the thoughts of the listeners are revealed—thus enabling these teachers of the gospel to proceed according to the operation of the Spirit.

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

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