1 Nephi 18

While Nephi and his extended family were upon the sea being driven forth to the promised land, two things seemed to touch my mind this morning. As had happened so many times previously, when the group did rest from their journey, rebellion and iniquity seem to happen or increase. Again on the open waters, I'm sure there was much more idle time. It was during this period that, that Nephi records that -

"...after we had been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and also their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 18:9)

At first, one might think - "What is wrong with that?. There are many scriptures that the Lord loves dancing and singing. But I think the word "merry" in this case may be a little misleading as we generally think of "merry". It seems merry in case would seem to suggest - boisterousness, inappropriate speaking, loud laughter from inappropriate humor, and possibly, inappropriate dancing. This seems more apparent and Nephi continues -

"...and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 18:9)

The fact that someone can't help laugh out loud at a humorous situation, loud laughter and inappropriate humor and vulgarity would obviously be contrary to the Spirit. This brings better understanding of "loud laughter".

My second thought was how Nephi reacted to having been painfully tied up for several days, as he shares -

"...wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 18:15)

How Nephi reacts to all of this teaches us the manner of men the Lord would have us be for even in all this pain and afflictions, Nephi -

"...did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 18:16)

Now that is great character.