The Book of Mormon talks a lot about pride. This is referred to as the “pride cycle,” because throughout the book, one is able to see the same pattern of humility->pride->punishment->repentance play itself out over and over again. So what are the earliest tenants of pride that creep into the humility phase of a society? They are often difficult to discern. But in 4th Nephi in The Book of Mormon, we get an interesting glimpse. In this book, the Savior has already appeared and has ascended back into heaven. The people are promised that they will have three generations of peace and prosperity, followed by a fourth generation that will fall away from the truth. In this fourth generation, it is the subtle deception of wearing fancy apparel and wanting to appear better than others that is the first step into pride before they begin to falter.
4 Nephi 24 And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things of the world.
25 And from that time forth they did have their goods and their substance no more common among them.
LESSON LEARNED: Pride is a tricky device of Satan. The desire to distinguish ourselves above others is subtle but strong. This often first occurs with our outward appearance, including the apparel we wear.
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