It is interesting that King Benjamin urges the people to open their hearts and be generous with those in need since otherwise they will be guilty of being miserly, avaricious and parsimonious. Notice that King Benjamin says once more, as he did in verse 12 that being helpful to those in need is one way to "retain a remission of sins." Many people think that once sins are forgiven they are forever blotted out. But the scripture says that if a person becomes dilatory or backsliding in his righteous endeavors, his or her former sins will begin returning to them. This doctrine is set forth in the Doctrine and Covenants 82:7.