The Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 12:30

1830 Edition

for it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell.

Influences

Matthew 5:30 (KJV)
And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Changes

fFor it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell.

Simple English

It is better to say no to these things and carry your cross. That is better than being thrown into hell.

Paraphrase

“It’s better to deny yourself these things—to take up your cross—than to be thrown into hell.”