Alma said more to Corianton than to Helaman or Shiblon, but it is Shiblon to whom Alma refers to as “thy brother” (v. 1). Helaman had not gone with Alma to the Zoramites, but the other two sons had gone (see Alma 31:6–7). Therefore, Shiblon was the brother who gave heed to Alma’s words. Alma repeats to Corianton his compliment to Shiblon of giving heed to his words among the Zoramites, which Corianton had not done (Alma 39:2; see 38:2–3).
Pointing out what he had against Corianton was Alma’s way of telling him the instructions he had not followed (v. 2). Just as “a wise son heareth his fathers instructions” (Proverbs 13:1), an unwise son neglects his fathers instructions. A wise father will also correct his son. Alma’s first correction of Corianton was that he boasted in his own strength and wisdom (Alma 39:2). The Lord also corrected Joseph Smith about boasting after the 116 pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript had been lost. “For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him” (D&C 3:4).
Corianton’s prideful attitude had led him into more serious sin— immorality. Even more serious than his boasting was his forsaking the ministry, and leaving his field of labor to chase a harlot (Alma 39:3). In today’s missionary work, an elder should never leave the field of labor to which he is assigned without permission of the mission president. Furthermore, Corianton was fully aware of what he was doing. Apparently he had used the age old and still used excuse that “everyone is doing it” (v. 4). That rationalization was not acceptable to Alma nor to the Lord, and it is not acceptable today.
It is interesting to note that Isabel was only the third of three Nephite and Lamanite women who are named in the Book of Mormon. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was also named, making a total of four woman named in the book. The first of the three was Sariah, wife of Lehi (see 1 Nephi 5:1), and Abish the Lamanite convert was the second (see Alma 19:16). Being a harlot is a sad way to have one’s name recorded in history.