“Helaman 11–12: The Pride Cycle,” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)
“Helaman 11–12,” Book of Mormon Student Manual
Helaman 11–12
The Pride Cycle
One of the patterns throughout the Book of Mormon is that people tend to forget God and become prideful when things are going well for them. On the other hand, people tend to humble themselves and turn to God when things are difficult. Have you noticed this pattern in society or in your life? This lesson can help you feel a greater desire to increase in humility toward God.
Patterns
Look at the following numbers. In 30 seconds, find as many numbers as you can in numerical order, beginning with “1.”
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How many numbers were you able to find in 30 seconds? Did you notice a pattern to where the numbers are located?
There is a pattern to the numbers on the chart. If you insert a vertical and a horizontal line in the center of the chart to create four equal quadrants, you will find that the numbers follow a clockwise pattern, like the arrow shows. For example, “1” is in the top left quadrant, “2” is in the top right, and so on.
Take 30 more seconds to redo the challenge and see the difference it makes to follow the pattern.
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What is the value of identifying patterns such as this?
Being able to identify patterns is a skill that can enhance your scripture study. Doing so can help you better apply what is in the scriptures to your life.
In today’s lesson, you are going to learn about a pattern often referred to as the pride cycle. As you study, think about how that pattern may be happening in your own life and what you can do to avoid pride and increase in humility.
The pride cycle
You might remember that the prophet Nephi was diligent and sought only to do the Lord’s will. As a result, the Lord blessed him with great power and promised that “all things would be done according to [his] word” (Helaman 10:5). The events that occurred after Nephi was granted this power can help us see an example of the pride cycle among the Nephites.
Draw the following diagram of the pride cycle in your study journal.
Read the scripture passages in the diagram, beginning with Helaman 10:13–15. Look for words or phrases that describe the phase of the pride cycle the people were in. Consider marking those words and phrases and writing the name of the phase in the margins of your scriptures next to the corresponding verses.
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Why can it be helpful for us to be aware of this pattern?
Think about where you see yourself in this pattern. As you continue to study, think about how you can increase in humility and reliance upon the Lord.
Learning from the pride cycle
After the Lord lifted the famine, the people prospered. However, within just a few years, the people again became prideful and experienced war and affliction (see Helaman 11:21–33). They were stirred up to remember God but quickly fell into pride and wickedness again (see Helaman 11:34–38).
You might have noticed from your study of the Book of Mormon that there are instances when the prophet Mormon paused his narration of certain accounts to identify lessons we can learn. He would often use phrases such as “thus we see” or “thus we can behold.”
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Based on what you have studied about the Nephites in Helaman 11, how would you complete this statement: “And thus we can behold …”?
Read Helaman 12:1–6, looking for some of the conclusions Mormon made after sharing this account.
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Answer the following questions:
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Why do you think people who are prosperous sometimes forget the Lord?
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How can a person avoid or skip the pride and suffering portions of the pride cycle (boxes 1 and 2)?
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A truth that can help us remain in the better parts of this cycle is if we choose to remember the Lord, humble ourselves, and repent, we can avoid pride and its consequences.
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Answer the following question:
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What can we do that will help us remember the Lord and avoid pride?
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Evaluate yourself
Think about how the truths you have studied today relate to you. The following self-assessment can help with this. Rate your efforts in the following areas on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being “never” and 5 being “always.”
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Do you feel and express gratitude to God and others?
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Do you make time for God each day?
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Do you feel like your successes are the result of your own efforts?
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Do you seek God’s help and guidance in your life?
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Do you treat others with kindness and respect?
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Do you criticize others or exercise unrighteous judgments toward them?
In your study journal, reflect on and write down something you feel you could do to increase in humility and overcome pride. Seek help from Heavenly Father as you strive to act on your commitment.