Helaman 12:2

Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.

Prosperity is a blessing and a curse at the same time. God tests us as much with prosperity as he does with afflictions. In fact, of the two, prosperity is the bigger test. Afflictions tend to humble us and drive us to feel after God. Prosperity, on the other hand, feeds our pride and gives us the confidence that we do not need God. To turn to God in afflictions is a natural, predictable response. To stay with God in times of prosperity is a rare feat that requires great dedication and faithfulness.

Helaman 6:17

For behold, the Lord had blessed them so long with the riches of the world that they had not been stirred up to anger, to wars, nor to bloodshed; therefore they began to set their hearts upon their riches; yea, they began to seek to get gain that they might be lifted up one above another; therefore they began to commit secret murders, and to rob and to plunder, that they might get gain.

The pride cycle seems to never end among the Nephites. They cannot stand prosperity. Remember for whom the Book of Mormon was written. Modern American society and First World countries have prospered for a long time, and now we are beginning to see the same evidence that the cycle is working among us. Wickedness, selfishness, greed and vanity are becoming rampant. We as a people worship wealth and power. God has become irrelevant. The stories of the Nephite cycle are written in the Book of Mormon to warn us of what awaits us. God will call this people to awake and repent through afflictions to come. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. What he does for one nation, he will do for others. Decline and suffering are inevitable, not to punish but to awaken and to humble. We face a time of severe testing.

Helaman 3:20

Nevertheless Helaman did fill the judgment-seat with justice and equity; yea, he did observe to keep the statutes, and the judgments, and the commandments of God; and he did do that which was right in the sight of God continually; and he did walk after the ways of his father, insomuch that he did prosper in the land.

Contention and troubles surrounded Helaman, yet he had personal peace and prosperity. Our attitude and obedience are the source of peace far more than our temporal surroundings.

Alma 62:49

But notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or their prosperity, they were not lifted up in the pride of their eyes; neither were they slow to remember the Lord their God; but they did humble themselves exceedingly before him.

Just as we choose our attitude towards affliction, we also choose our attitude towards prosperity. It is often easier to stay faithful in times of trial than in times of peace and plenty. We must be ever watchful regarding pride, slothfulness and materialism.

Alma 1:30

And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need.

This is why God prospers his righteous followers, so they can use their prosperity to bless others. He loves to give to us when we give to others.

Mosiah 12:15

And behold, we are strong, we shall not come into bondage, or be taken captive by our enemies; yea, and thou hast prospered in the land, and thou shalt also prosper.

We mistake prosperity for righteousness. Prosperity may follow righteousness, but prosperity is not the exclusive result of righteousness. Many wicked people prosper in this world, and many righteous are poor. Life is not about getting stuff but about becoming and overcoming. Some of us have to overcome poverty, and others have to overcome prosperity. In the end, we take with us only who we are and not what we have.

Mosiah 4:16

And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.

Helping the poor is a commandment, and to ignore it is to open the door to great sin. God prospers us so we can help others. If we fail to use what he gives us according to his will, we are guilty of gross selfishness. Opportunity to help others is never lacking.

Mosiah 1:7

And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to the promises which the Lord made unto our fathers.

The Nephites are promised over and over that they will prosper in the land if they keep the commandments. To prosper is to grow materially and succeed. It does not always mean financial growth. We can grow in righteousness, in peace, in love, in charity. We can succeed in raising righteous families, in coming unto Christ, and in receiving the grace of the atonement in our lives. "In the land" means in mortality. It is true that financial means often find their way into the hands of righteous individuals, but riches are a byproduct. Faith and salvation are the true prosperity.