The Book of Mormon

Alma 29:5

1830 Edition

yea, and I know that good and evil hath come before all men; or he that knoweth not good from evil, is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires; whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience.

Changes

yYea, and I know that good and evil hathve come before all men; or he that knoweth not good from evil, is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires;, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience.

Simple English

Everyone can choose between good and evil. If someone does not know the difference between good and evil, they are innocent. But if someone knows good from evil, God gives them what they want. They can choose good or evil, life or death, happiness or guilt.

Paraphrase

Everyone faces the choice between good and evil. Those who can’t tell the difference aren’t held accountable. But those who can? They get what they want—good or evil, life or death, joy or crushing regret.