“For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him.”—Doctrine and Covenants 3:4
Did Joseph Smith “boast in his own strength”?
“I have more to boast of than ever any man had…A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I.…”—Joseph Smith, May 26, 1844, History of the Church, vol 6, pp. 408-409
“I prophesy they never will have power to kill me till my work is accomplished, and I am ready to die.”—History of the Church, vol. 6, p. 58
Was Joseph “ready to die”?
“Joseph…opening the door a few inches he discharged his six shooter in the stairway…two or three barrels of which missed fire.…and he fell outward into the hands of his murderers, exclaiming. ‘O Lord, my God!’” —June 27, 1844, History of the Church, vol. 6, p. 618
“Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.” —Proverbs 25:14
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