As in verse 1, the audience is “ye that know righteousness.” Yahweh has already identified them and reminded them of their covenant relationship with him, but now he specifically defines them as “the people in whose heart I have written my law.” They stand in juxtaposition to the hypocrites who walk by their own light (2 Ne. 7:11). The law is infused in their very souls. Such people who have internalized gospel principles need not fear “the reproach of men.” Confident that they are following Yahweh, they can withstand “reproach” and “revilings” from those who have rejected the law but who will try to shame those who follow it. Yahweh defines honor for his people: fulfilling their covenant.
Variant/Reference: The Book of Mormon has “in whose heart I have written my law.” The same passage from Isaiah 51:7 is “in whose heart is my law.” It is possible that the addition of “written” was original to the brass plates, or perhaps even an emendation by Nephi. The concept of writing Yahweh’s word or covenant in the heart was part of Jeremiah’s message, with which Nephi may have been familiar: “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Jer. 31:33).