Alma 18:22
~90 BC
1830 Edition
Now Ammon being wise, yet harmless, he saith unto Lamoni, Wilt thou hearken unto my words, if I tell thee by what power I do these things? and this is the thing that I desire of thee.
Influences
Matthew 10:16 (KJV)
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Mark 11:33 (KJV)
And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
Changes
Now Ammon being wise, yet harmless, he saithd unto Lamoni,: Wilt thou hearken unto my words, if I tell thee by what power I do these things? aAnd this is the thing that I desire of thee.
Simple English
Ammon was wise. He said to Lamoni, 'Will you listen to my words if I tell you by what power I do these things? This is the thing that I want from you.'
Paraphrase
Ammon, who was wise but not manipulative, said to Lamoni: "Will you listen carefully if I tell you where my power comes from? That's all I'm asking."