2 Nephi 28:8
~559–545 BC
1830 Edition
And there shall also be many which shall say, eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God, he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this. And do all these things, for to-mrrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the Kingdom of God.
Influences
Romans 3:8 (KJV)
And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
1 Corinthians 15:32 (KJV)
If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
Luke 12:48 (KJV)
But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Mark 14:25 (KJV)
Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
Changes
And there shall also be many which shall say,: eEat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God, —he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this.; Aand do all these things, for to-morrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the Kkingdom of God.
Simple English
Many will say: Eat, drink, and be happy. But respect God. He will let you do a little wrong. Yes, lie a little. Trick others with your words. Set a trap for your neighbor. There is no harm in this. Do all these things, because tomorrow we die. If we are wrong, God will punish us a little. In the end, we will be saved in God’s kingdom.
Paraphrase
Others will say, 'Eat, drink, and enjoy life—but sure, fear God a little. He’ll overlook a small sin here and there. Go ahead: lie a little, take advantage of someone’s words, set a trap for your neighbor. What’s the harm? Do whatever you want, because tomorrow we die. And even if we’re guilty, God will slap us on the wrist, and in the end we’ll still make it into his kingdom.'