Alma 30:47
~74 BC
1830 Edition
But behold, it is better that thy soul should be lost, than that thou shouldst be the means of bringing many souls down to destruction, by thy lying and by thy flattering words; therefore if thou shalt deny again, behold, God shall smite thee, that thou shalt become dumb, that thou shalt never open thy mouth any more, that thou shalt not deceive this people any more.
Influences
1 Thessalonians 2:5 (KJV)
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
Luke 22:61 (KJV)
And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Acts 23:3 (KJV)
Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?
John 13:8 (KJV)
Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
Changes
But behold, it is better that thy soul should be lost, than that thou shouldst be the means of bringing many souls down to destruction, by thy lying and by thy flattering words; therefore if thou shalt deny again, behold, God shall smite thee, that thou shalt become dumb, that thou shalt never open thy mouth any more, that thou shalt not deceive this people any more.
Simple English
But it’s better that you lose your soul than cause many other souls to be destroyed by your lies and smooth words. If you deny again, God will strike you. You will become unable to speak. You will never open your mouth again. You won’t trick these people anymore.
Paraphrase
'But it’s better for you to be lost than to drag many souls down to destruction with your lies and flattering words. So if you deny again, God will strike you. You’ll become unable to speak, never opening your mouth again to deceive these people.'