D&C 123

I was touched this morning by the words of warning of the Prophet Joseph Smith concerning pride and how it precipitates ones downfall.  As he wrote a letter from the dungeon of Liberty Jail, the letter by which we have sections 121, 122, and 123 of the Doctrine and Covenants, as he teaches -

"...we would suggest the propriety of being aware of an aspiring spirit, which spirit has often times urged men forward to make foul speeches, and influence the Church to reject milder counsels, and has eventually been the means of bringing much death and sorrow upon the Church.

“We would say, beware of pride also; for well and truly hath the wise man said, that pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. And again, outward appearance is not always a criterion by which to judge our fellow man; but the lips betray the haughty and overbearing imaginations of the heart; by his words and his deeds let him be judged. Flattery also is a deadly poison. A frank and open rebuke provoketh a good man to emulation; and in the hour of trouble he will be your best friend; but on the other hand, it will draw out all the corruptions of corrupt hearts, and lying and the poison of asps is under their tongues; and they do cause the pure in heart to be cast into prison, because they want them out of their way.

“A fanciful and flowery and heated imagination beware of..."  (Ridges, David J. (2005-07-01). The Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier, Part 3 (The Gospel Studies Series)

These words of warning concerning pride and possibly being offended reminds me of the Lord's warning -

"...I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:43)

On a different matter, as I have thought much concerning these revelations mentioned above, it seems that as the Prophet took an eternal perspective, the tribulations of this life took on a different perspective.  I note as he wrote this letter, the Prophet even spoke of having a "high mountain experience" writing -

"...because the things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity—thou must commune with God. How much more dignified and noble are the thoughts of God..."  (Ridges, David J. (2005-07-01). The Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier, Part 3 (The Gospel Studies Series)