But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed.
– Mormon 4:5
Often the wicked are entangled in their own devices, becoming instruments of their own downfall. Choices born of pride and rebellion ultimately ensnare those who make them. Here, Mormon observes that it is often by the wicked that the wicked are punished; they bring upon themselves the consequences of their choices, setting in motion cycles of violence and bloodshed that culminate in divine judgement.
This verse finds a close parallel in the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Proverbs, where we read, “The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them; but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.” (Proverbs 11:6) This reflection shows how consistently the Lord has warned against the hazards of wickedness. Through both the Book of Mormon and the Bible, we see that those who sow in sin inevitably reap a bitter harvest, ensnared by their own pride and self-deception.
Reflecting upon this, I consider how frequently we are warned against the pursuit of selfish ambition or yielding to hatred and vengeance. Whether individually or collectively, humanity suffers when we surrender to wicked influences. It is a sobering call to live righteously, to avoid the pitfalls of bitterness, and to recognise that peace and justice are not just ideals to hope for—they are God’s promises to those who strive for goodness and walk in His light.
