3 For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought.
Ignorance and pride are a pretty tough combination. The scriptures are full of stories and references to hardheartedness. The problem with this combination is that it becomes a vicious cycle. If an ignorant person (not the same as a stupid person) is also proud, they may not recognize their ignorance, for one thing. In that case they would not ask for guidance, thinking that they need none. Another scenario is that they may recognize their ignorance on a certain matter, but believe they can “figure it out,” instead of looking to more reliable sources for answers. This is common in spiritual matters, and it is the case with Nephi’s brethren. Spiritual matters can only be understood by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:11), but to ask for spiritual answers requires humility and faith. It requires faith that Heavenly Father is there and will answer your question, and humility to actually turn to Him for the answers. This is what Nephi had; it is what his brethren lacked. Spiritually they were ignorant, and too proud to pray, to go to the source of spiritual knowledge. So they were doomed to stay ignorant and frustrated unless something changed.
- 1 Corinthians 2:11 (10–12)
- 2 Nephi 32:8
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