The Book of Mormon

Moroni 7:6

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1830 Edition

For behold, God hath said, A man being evil, cannot do that which is good: for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent, it profiteth him nothing.

Influences

1 Corinthians 13:3 (KJV)
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Changes

For behold, God hath said, Aa man being evil, cannot do that which is good:; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent, it profiteth him nothing.

Simple English

God said that an evil person cannot do good things. If he gives a gift or prays to God but doesn’t really mean it, it doesn’t help him.

Paraphrase

“God has made it clear: An evil person can’t do what’s truly good. If someone gives a gift or prays to God without meaning it, it does them no good.