Mormon’s Synagogue Address

Discerning Good and Evil

Moroni 7:5

This assessment is based on God’s word which says that the goodness of individuals may be discerned by assessing the goodness of their works.

For I remember the word of God, which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also.

Moroni 7:6–7

Evil people cannot sincerely do good—superficial piety is not beneficial.

For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing. For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness.

Moroni 7:8–9

Begrudging offerings and prayers offered without real intent are neither profitable nor received by God.

For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God. And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such.

Moroni 7:10–11

Actions, behaviors, and outputs correspond to the sources from which they flow.

Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift. For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow Christ he cannot be a servant of the devil.

Moroni 7:12

God is the source of all good; the devil, in contrast, entices to evil.

Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.

Moroni 7:13

All that which is inspired by God invites people to do good.

But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

Moroni 7:14

Beware not to confuse good with evil.

Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.

Moroni 7:15

You have the capacity to discern good from evil.

For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.