person0

It is interesting to note that in verse 1 they gathered only every kind of plant life known to them, unlike Noah, who gathered every kind of animal life, and possibly every kind of plant life as well, but with emphasis on the animals.  There may be no deep significance here, but it is a pattern that the Lord, on at least three known occasions of trans-continental journey (Noah, Lehi, Jared), has instructed his children to take with them food of every kind, whether of beasts or of seeds.  How might we apply that to our day and time?  Food storage!  
Someone recently asked in the forum if Heavenly Father can truly always have joy when many of His children do not make it to the celestial kingdom.  Here we see that Lehi was able to rejoice just in the fact that many of his decedents would make it, even knowing that many would not due to their wickedness.
How long must those both with and without the gospel in their lives travel in darkness before they seek mercy and turn unto the Lord?  The answer is different for everyone, and sadly, some never do.  From the way the text reads, Lehi, if he was 'conscious' during his dream, may have traveled on his own expecting to find a way out, but finally turned to the Lord as it became clear that was the only way he could escape the darkness.  When he finally did pray, seeking the guidance and aid of the almighty, he was immediately shown the path to the tree of life!
The fact that in Lehi's dream, he found the tree of life alone, and his family was not already there, and that he then had to beckon them to come, showing them the way is enlightening evidence of the sacred patriarchal role of a father.  A righteous father is able to receive revelation for his family, and it is his responsibility to do so, and to keep the commandments so as to be able to do so.  This also underpins the responsibility of the spouse and children to hearken unto a righteous father, and heed his counsel and advice, as he heeds the council of our Father in Heaven.  The result of not doing so is clear by what happened to Laman and Lemuel in the dream.  Heavenly Father is brilliant; He finds a way to account for every needed thing, even often in our personal revelations!
I find it interesting that the word 'arose' was used.  This hints at the idea that the mist of darkness was not there on the path at first.  Perhaps many who started on the path to the tree of life could at first see the whole path.  This is similar to how we start a project for work, school, etc, and can easily see the end from the beginning.  Yet, as we continue on the project, complications, and a whole slew of unforeseen issues come up to burden the completion of the task.  Does Satan try very hard on those who are not seeking the path of righteousness?  It is doubtful that it is needed.  I think there is wisdom to be found in the idea that the mist of darkness arises only after we begin our course.
Even those in darkness are often searching for something.  How sad it is when that something they find is complacency in wickedness, or what they interpret as 'fun'.  I think of gangs, the Gadianton Robbers, many (not all) sororities and fraternities engaging in sinful acts of every kind, etc, etc, etc.  While there are some who are genuinely evildoers, there are many more who have felt their way to such an end, who simply sought something they interpreted to be of substance and value.  This further indicates the importance of proclaiming the gospel to all the world, how many of those feeling their way, might we help to feel their way toward the path of the iron rod?
Not only was it great and spacious, but it was also strange!  Makes me think about all of the strange acts of those who are led by the spirit of evil and of confusion.  I think about men seeking to become women and women seeking to become men and other seeking to support and promote this ideology.  There are so many other 'strange' acts and ideas that could be included, but suffice it to say that it is very noteworthy that the great and spacious building was strange!  I never noticed that before.
We see in verses 35-38 the pain of those who see and who know when attempting to guide those who do not.  Just as our Father in Heaven sees all, and counsels us based on His knowledge, we often receive counsel from others and give counsel to others based on a similar principle.  Sadly, so many times we end up learning things the hard way, thinking we have a better way.  I am grateful for our Savior's love; His version of I told you so is to just keep loving us and allowing us to repent, even when we thought we knew what we were doing.  Even so, eventually, only so much can be said and done, and the rest is up to us, just as Lehi 'did cease speaking to them,' so does the Lord to his continually unrepentant children.  Once all is said and done, what more can He say than to us what He has said?  Eventually the responsibility is 100% our own.

My one year old daughter frequently points to this picture on the wall and says 'da-da'.  Then she points back at me and says 'da-da'.  I am of middle eastern decent, and usually have a short beard.  I will gladly take the complement 

My one year old daughter frequently points to this picture on the wall and says 'da-da'.  Then she points back at me and says 'da-da'.  I am of middle eastern decent, and usually have a short beard.  I will gladly take the complement 

My one year old daughter frequently points to this picture on the wall and says 'da-da'.  Then she points back at me and says 'da-da'.  I am of middle eastern decent, and usually have a short beard.  I will gladly take the complement 

I guess I should have used a more humble approach. I ultimately believe that people make too big a deal out of Nephi killing Laban. Ever since I was little we read the Book of Mormon and Nephi killing Laban was always one of my favorite good guy/ bad guy stories. Nearly four decades later it saddens me to see people troubled by this story, saying it has effected their testimony or been the tipping point in leaving the church. I just dont get it, bad guy trys to kill good guy, good guy kills bad guy, good guy does what the Lord commands...what more could one want in a good story?

My one year old daughter frequently points to this picture on the wall and says 'da-da'.  Then she points back at me and says 'da-da'.  I am of middle eastern decent, and usually have a short beard.  I will gladly take the complement 

Wouldnt of even thought twice about it, I would of taken his hair and swiped his head off just as Nephi did. No trial at all. Trials that effect personal life such as bad health, sickness, disease, etc, are indeed truly saddening, but lopping off the head of a cankerous individual is like get er done, move on, whats next? Travel in the desert? No problem, Build a ship? No problem. Of course there are trials on the way but they happen, you move on to the next.

Notice that Laman and Lemuel are not mentioned to have complained about going back to Jerusalem for the purpose of obtaining wives.  They complained about leaving, they complained about going back for the plates, they complained on the way back with their wives to be, but they sure as heck werent about to complain about going back to get them in the first place.
In fact, the way the record is written, Nephi indicates 'we', as in all 4 of the brothers, spoke the words of the Lord to convince Ishmael to come.  I have to wonder, and personally would assume that Laman and Lemuel's intentions were less than noble.  They probably saw the opportunity to have a wife as a positive thing for a number of reasons, due to their culture.  However, given their overall nature, I would say that the natural lusts of the flesh were enticing enough to them to convince them to go and even teach the words of the Lord to Ishmael and his family.  It kind of reminds me about how many more people will show up to a church activity, conference, temple session, etc, if you entice them with 'free' food.
However, once Laman and Lemuel had achieved their goal, had their 'girlfriends' as @zil wisely pointed out, what was stopping them from staying in Jerusalem and letting everyone else go back?  Hence the main events of the chapter took place.
Nephi was grieved.  He was grieved because he was 'sick and tired' of his complaining brothers.  "I mean, seriously, whats it going to take?  When will these guys get it?" were likely the types of questions going through his mind at that moment.
How many times do we ask ourselves that question about our children, or siblings, or friends, or co-workers?  I would assume, enough for us to adequately empathize with Nephi.  More importantly though, is how many times Heavenly Father must face a similar experience with us.  What will it take, when will each of us finally reach that moment where we decide to strive for exact obedience?  How many times does He have to tell us to have faith in His son, Jesus Christ, before we will realize what that really means for us.  How many times does he have to remind us to repent, or to do x/y/z thing and then reap the reward?  Nephi continued to strive to help his brothers, despite their clear wickedness and rebellion, because he loved them.  Just as Christs hand is stretched out still, all the day long, to those who will take hold, even after turning away time and time again.
In other words:  "I dare you!  I dare you to go back to Jerusalem! Do it and see what happens.  You have agency. If you want to go back, be my guest, but. . . if you go, you will die.  I'm just telling it like it is; this is what the Spirit told me to tell you."
I truly hope that I live sufficiently in tune with the Holy Spirit to recognize when the Lord deems it appropriate to call upon him to loosen my bands.  This applies equally to literal bands as well as with our trials.  I sincerely believe that if we are righteous, after we have done our part and are on the brink of the bitter end, assuming it be the Lords will, we can call upon Him to 'loosen our bands' and provide an escape alongside the trial, sometimes even a miraculous escape, just as he loosed the literal bands restraining Nephi.
Nephi, got right back up on his feet and started teaching them the truth they didn't want to hear once more.  Such resilience is awe inspiring and faith inducing.  Interestingly it reminds me of a popular lyrical refrain 'I get knocked down, but I get up again, you're never gonna keep me down!' 
Wow!  How many times will Nephi do this over the course of his journey?  What is equally interesting is how sincere Laman and Lemuel actually were in their repentance.  As Zil pointed out, these guys really desired all of the things that led them to act out as they did, but they also had at least enough of the light of Christ that they were willing to sincerely repent (at least for a time) when they recognized the seriousness of their atrocities.  But alas, how fleeting those feelings from the Spirit can be. No wonder we are extorted to write down our spiritual impressions and to refer back to them again and again.  In our day we have even more evil pulling us in all directions except the straight and narrow, when you think about it, Laman and Lemuel just wanted to go be lazy at home in peace and not have to work hard to do the right thing. That's about 50% of the USA these days, and then we have many, many other temptations on top of that!
We must always give thanks to God when we see His hand in our lives, both spiritually and temporally.  Failure to express gratitude is akin to actually being ungrateful. When you really think about it what do we have in this life that we actually deserve?  Nothing, that is the answer, nothing.  All belongs to the Lord; He giveth and He taketh away.  Even if we are seemingly left with nothing, we have our salvation in and through Him, and that is more than we could ever gain for ourselves.  If all is the Lord's, we ought to be grateful for whatever he sees fit to bestow unto us.

In the middle of the verses, Nephi is somewhat baffled at how dense Laman & Lemuel are, and it occurs to me that L&L's entire problem is being divided in their own hearts and minds.  They clearly value wealth, ease, their buds back home, and things of this nature; and don't value the scriptures, truth, the things of God.  This is why they want to go back, why they rail against anyone who calls them to account, forget about angels, don't ask of God, etc.
But at the same time, they are just scared enough that Lehi might be right about what's going to happen back home, that they don't dare go back on their own.  Even when their "girlfriends" (2 of the daughters of Ishmael) and the sons of Ishmael back them up a bit, they're still too scared to go it on their own.
How terrible it would be to want something with all your heart, and yet fear going after said thing.  No wonder they were miserable and angry all the time.
There's an inverse lesson there for us - if we want the things of God, we shouldn't fear working for them; if we want other things, but fear the truth of God, we would be wise to learn to let go of our earthly wants, thereby eliminating the fear and enjoying peace.

In my mind, this verse provides additional insight to note that Lehi was likely not yet called as a prophet prior to the revelatory experiences detailed in chapter one.  This would also give further credence to the idea that if Lehi was just recently called, his family, including his wife, would not yet all have had the personal revelation to know that his calling and actions have been true.  Nephi and Sam had already received their witness; Laman and Lemuel continually rejected the opportunity to receive theirs;  now, finally, Sariah was pushed to the trial of her faith, and from my perspective she mostly failed.
The fact that Sariah complained and did not initially endure her trial faithfully is important for our profit and learning.  We see in verses 4-6 that Lehi comforted Sariah.  He did this by sharing his own testimony of his experiences and of the things the Lord had called their family to do.  When we experience trials, the Lord does not want us to go it alone.  He stands ready to comfort us and bless us with His Spirit, but also often places spouses, family, friends and others who can help comfort us if we allow them to do so.  Sariah's trial is scriptural evidence that even the faithful fall and rise again.  She was the wife of a prophet was she not?  However, after the trial of her faith, she received her witness, and her experience was powerful enough for her to proclaim "Now I Know of a surety. . ."
Thomas, even an Apostle of the Lord, faltered in a similar capacity and would not even believe the witness of his brethren, but still received the mercy of the Lord further enabling him to go on to fulfill his calling.  In His mercy, even when we falter, the Lord will still provide means to strengthen us and enable us to receive of Him and to have exceeding joy, as did Sariah and the whole family upon the return of Nephi and his brothers.  No matter our experiences, murmurings and misgivings, we can find comfort, and in the end, in the Lords time, receive our own witness for each trial we are called to bear.
Prior to reading directly from the plates, it appears Lehi had little knowledge of its contents.  The opportunity to read scripture in such a fashion was a new experience for this family, and they devoured the words within excitedly.  Imagine what knowledge we could have if we sought to read the the scriptures as much as we fight over who's turn it is with the remote, or the car, or the newest Harry Potter book, or whatever it is that calls to us so strongly.  If today the First Presidency announced a new book of scripture, who among us would not jump at the chance to delve into its pages?  Yet somehow we often fail to search, ponder and pray on the words of the prophets we have today.  Hopefully we each see for ourselves that they are 'of great worth unto us' and teach our children to do the same.

I did not watch the video, however, I will say that many people find supposed connections to concepts of salvation from sin, and saviors, and other aspects of Christianity.  However, the connections they make based on pre-Christian era doctrines and concepts are actually all descended from apostatized truth.  Remember that the gospel was taught in it's fullness to Adam, and he was baptized.  From there, eventually it fell and was degenerated by various civilizations until even the Israelites were not sufficiently prepared to receive it.  If the true principles of what is now known as Christianity existed from the beginning, and then were jumbled up through apostasy, some here, some there, then it would be expected that researchers could find evidence of these things.  If an uninspired researcher finds pieces of information, are they going to conclude that Christianity must be true because its concepts go back so far, or will they assume it must be a made up mixture of other religious views that came before it?  With that in mind it doesn't bother me in the slightest what the world thinks of the origins of Christianity.

I perceive that while most responses thus far do provide an applicable answer, they might not address what you are actually seeking to know.  Here is my perspective on the matter:
The reality is that, yes, as you posited, God 'could' have disposed of Laban some other way.  However, there is an important principle at play: God works within the bounds of the agency of man.  While He often influences men, sometimes even in very direct or extreme ways, such as with Paul, Alma the younger, etc, whenever possible, He will allow men, using their agency, to fulfill His purposes for Him.  God knew where Laban would be, why he would be there, where Zoram would be, what their states of mind would be, etc, etc, etc.  With that knowledge, He could guide Nephi by the Spirit to where Laban would be, have him kill Laban, impersonate Laban to coerce Zoram who would lead him directly to the plates, and then return safely back to his brothers.   Not only did this accomplish the goals the Lord had in mind, it also enabled the salvation of Zoram (who would likely not have received this opportunity any other way), who was a friend to Nephi from that time forward.
Additionally, in regard to the killing of Laban, not only are the words the Spirit spoke to Nephi applicable, as well as what @zil pointed out in her reference to Abraham 3:25, but it is also important to realize that mortality is relatively insignificant to the Lord, who has a truly eternal perspective.  Regardless of the possibly many lives impacted, murder is wrong mostly because it removes an individuals opportunity to repent.  God, however, has a perfect plan that accounts to provide every one of His children  the opportunity to repent.  In the end, those who would have received the gospel in this life may inherit every blessing as those of us who do.
It is clear that not only Laban, but also his forefathers were the keepers of the plates.  He would have had the opportunity to read them, study them, and have the knowledge of the truth.  Since Zoram perceived it as normal for Laban to present the plates to the elders, it is apparent that he may have done so on occasion.  Regardless, however, the Lord knows and knew Laban's heart.  Laban was living a life of wickedness, it is highly doubtful that the Lord would end his life if he knew he would repent and become righteous.  Was Laban not aware of the many prophets, including Lehi, who had prophesied?  Even so, as @skalenfehl pointed out, Jerusalem was on the brink of destruction and captivity, and Laban's days were likely numbered anyway.
If God had disposed of Laban via different means, how much more difficult might it have been for Nephi to procure the plates?  Would they have been in the same location? Would Nephi still have been able to successfully impersonate Laban?  Would the Lord just as easily have been able to allow for the freedom and salvation of Zoram?  My assumption is that while obviously all things are possible to God, such an interference, would have required additional interference to play out as needed.  There are many additional historical occurrences of God allowing men (both righteous and wicked) to use agency to bring about his purposes.  Some examples include Adam and Eve partaking of the fruit to induce the fall, the many many times the Israelites and Nephites were captive to incite them to the remembrance of the Lord, and even the Crucifixion of his own Son by His children acting in ignorance and wickedness.
In regard to your other questions there was no need to prove Nephi's loyalty, it is clear that once he had a sufficient withness of the Spirit, he acted swiftly and decisively.  It is unlikely that any transformation occurred for Nephi aside from the strengthening of his testimony, because once he knew of a surety that the direction to kill Laban came from the Lord, he would never at any point in his life have reason to look back on his decision with remorse or regret.  The rules had not changed for Nephi, only the Lord can command to kill with a perfect knowledge of the repercussions, Nephi's witness of the Spirit would also lead him to know that should such action be required again, he would be able to recognize whether it were of God or not.  It was obvious from Nephi's previous experiences that he knew he could not return to Jerusalem, this event/action would not have been related.  Nephi was being tested, but only in the same way each of us are tested in our trials and through our spiritual experiences and personal revelations.  Notice that Nephi's initial reservation was not that it was a terrible thing to take Laban's life, but that he had never taken a life previously; he was likely shocked that he himself would be commanded to do such a thing, which normally is a grave sin, but might not have been as shocked that Lord would use this method to achieve his purposes.
So now we come full circle and can piece together these ideas to reasonably conclude, that God, using and allowing for the agency of man, and acting in use of his foreknowledge of individuals and events, called one of His children to take a seemingly very serious action that would ultimately be of little significance in the eternal perspective, but which would enable blessings and opportunities of extreme significance to His great plan.  Thus He declared, "It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief."

I perceive that while most responses thus far do provide an applicable answer, they might not address what you are actually seeking to know.  Here is my perspective on the matter:
The reality is that, yes, as you posited, God 'could' have disposed of Laban some other way.  However, there is an important principle at play: God works within the bounds of the agency of man.  While He often influences men, sometimes even in very direct or extreme ways, such as with Paul, Alma the younger, etc, whenever possible, He will allow men, using their agency, to fulfill His purposes for Him.  God knew where Laban would be, why he would be there, where Zoram would be, what their states of mind would be, etc, etc, etc.  With that knowledge, He could guide Nephi by the Spirit to where Laban would be, have him kill Laban, impersonate Laban to coerce Zoram who would lead him directly to the plates, and then return safely back to his brothers.   Not only did this accomplish the goals the Lord had in mind, it also enabled the salvation of Zoram (who would likely not have received this opportunity any other way), who was a friend to Nephi from that time forward.
Additionally, in regard to the killing of Laban, not only are the words the Spirit spoke to Nephi applicable, as well as what @zil pointed out in her reference to Abraham 3:25, but it is also important to realize that mortality is relatively insignificant to the Lord, who has a truly eternal perspective.  Regardless of the possibly many lives impacted, murder is wrong mostly because it removes an individuals opportunity to repent.  God, however, has a perfect plan that accounts to provide every one of His children  the opportunity to repent.  In the end, those who would have received the gospel in this life may inherit every blessing as those of us who do.
It is clear that not only Laban, but also his forefathers were the keepers of the plates.  He would have had the opportunity to read them, study them, and have the knowledge of the truth.  Since Zoram perceived it as normal for Laban to present the plates to the elders, it is apparent that he may have done so on occasion.  Regardless, however, the Lord knows and knew Laban's heart.  Laban was living a life of wickedness, it is highly doubtful that the Lord would end his life if he knew he would repent and become righteous.  Was Laban not aware of the many prophets, including Lehi, who had prophesied?  Even so, as @skalenfehl pointed out, Jerusalem was on the brink of destruction and captivity, and Laban's days were likely numbered anyway.
If God had disposed of Laban via different means, how much more difficult might it have been for Nephi to procure the plates?  Would they have been in the same location? Would Nephi still have been able to successfully impersonate Laban?  Would the Lord just as easily have been able to allow for the freedom and salvation of Zoram?  My assumption is that while obviously all things are possible to God, such an interference, would have required additional interference to play out as needed.  There are many additional historical occurrences of God allowing men (both righteous and wicked) to use agency to bring about his purposes.  Some examples include Adam and Eve partaking of the fruit to induce the fall, the many many times the Israelites and Nephites were captive to incite them to the remembrance of the Lord, and even the Crucifixion of his own Son by His children acting in ignorance and wickedness.
In regard to your other questions there was no need to prove Nephi's loyalty, it is clear that once he had a sufficient withness of the Spirit, he acted swiftly and decisively.  It is unlikely that any transformation occurred for Nephi aside from the strengthening of his testimony, because once he knew of a surety that the direction to kill Laban came from the Lord, he would never at any point in his life have reason to look back on his decision with remorse or regret.  The rules had not changed for Nephi, only the Lord can command to kill with a perfect knowledge of the repercussions, Nephi's witness of the Spirit would also lead him to know that should such action be required again, he would be able to recognize whether it were of God or not.  It was obvious from Nephi's previous experiences that he knew he could not return to Jerusalem, this event/action would not have been related.  Nephi was being tested, but only in the same way each of us are tested in our trials and through our spiritual experiences and personal revelations.  Notice that Nephi's initial reservation was not that it was a terrible thing to take Laban's life, but that he had never taken a life previously; he was likely shocked that he himself would be commanded to do such a thing, which normally is a grave sin, but might not have been as shocked that Lord would use this method to achieve his purposes.
So now we come full circle and can piece together these ideas to reasonably conclude, that God, using and allowing for the agency of man, and acting in use of his foreknowledge of individuals and events, called one of His children to take a seemingly very serious action that would ultimately be of little significance in the eternal perspective, but which would enable blessings and opportunities of extreme significance to His great plan.  Thus He declared, "It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief."

Q1. Why did Nephi have to kill Laban? God could have disposed of Laban at the hands of an enemy or through an accident or illness. Why was Nephi required to kill him? 
This is an interesting question that brings back to my remembrance Israel's deliverance from Pharoah through Moses. Why did the first born have to die due to Pharaoh's hardened heart? Pharaoh could have been convinced by some other means, right? Pharaoh could have been easily removed by an angel (think of Balaam) or some sickness or by some accident, and another ruler could have been more easily convinced regarding the release of the children of Israel.
Nephi did not have to kill Laban. I believe that is important to remember. It wasn't until after Laban's decisions that killing Laban resulted in a commandment. @person0 highlighted some possible outcomes if Laban wasn't the owner of the plates and had died by some other means.
As @skalenfehl mentioned, through more than one witness Nephi received the honor of "ruler" as given by the Lord, which Laman & Lemuel hardened their heart believing he sought leadership over them not recognizing their rebellion, like Laban, lost them their reward. The Lord gave multiple opportunities for Laman to become ruler and leader, but he chose otherwise and was more concerned with saving his life, than loosing it.
I am reminded of a talk I once heard that induced the same question in reference to Abraham and Isaac. Why was Abraham commanded to sacrifice Isaac? The Jewish minister responded with these words, "Abraham needed to know something about Abraham." Nephi needed to know something about Nephi. I am fond of the answer given by the Jewish minister (Rabbi, if I am remembering the tape recording correctly I listened to).
Q2. To prove his loyalty to God?
Loyalty was already being proven when Nephi prayed to know the words of his father were true. The determination of receiving the plates, and the killing of Laban were testimonies, witnesses, that Nephi was honest when he said, "The Lord giveth no commandment save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." The trial of faith, witnessed received. The moment Nephi was commanded to kill Laban, yes, loyalty and faithfulness were once again being proven. As @zil mentioned (Abraham 3:25)
Q3. As a transformative experience for Nephi? To prove to Nephi that he was tough enough to handle more difficult tasks?
I don't know, but this question bring the words of Paul to my heart and mind, Romans 5: 1-5
Q4. To symbolically indicate to Nephi that he was now living under a different, tougher set of rules than previously?
I don't believe so, the rules haven't changed and these rules still remain for you and I. To whom much is given much is required, and Nephi was required much, and received much.
Q5. To under score to Nephi that he could not return to Jerusalem?
No, Nephi already knew he could not return for he received witness from the Lord that Jerusalem was wicked and that they would be destroyed. Nephi was already of one heart and one mind, with his father, in traveling to the promised land.
Q6. To cause Nephi to accept a life of close obedience God?
There is truth to this question. Isn't this what we are all striving to do, or the idea of becoming close to God means having a mind and heart like him, which can only be accomplished through close, exact, obedience to God. Romans 5: 1-5 seems to follow suit with this question, and Abraham 3:25.
Q7. Do any of the above seem to fit the case? DId I miss anything?
They all fit the case, and as with most gospel experiences and stories this leaves us with more questions
Q8. Sometimes I wonder what is going on. A number of very faithful saints in my ward are undergoing extreme trials and I wonder what is the point of testing people who have been so faithful for decades. WHy?
Half, if not more, of what we experience would not occur if the sons and daughters of God had been obeying God's commandments. God is fair. Humans are not, even temple covenant members who have covenanted with the Lord.
I think it human to wonder what is going on (I know I do). I think it godly to move forward in faith when answers do not come, and when "what appears" to be very unfair doesn't change. Some members of the Church seem to be handed everything in this life, with very little struggle, while others fight just to survive. Outside of the Church we see similar experiences. Some are handed everything. Some merely survive.
Some will say there success is a direct result of, "I work hard," while not meaning to but the statement implies for those that are not success, "they don't work hard." The scriptures carry statements of "favor" and "riches" and how God gives this to his sons and daughters. Even Satan recognized the hand of the Lord with Job, and yet we see also a different favor withe Joseph in Egypt. Joseph was favored of the Lord and his father. Yet, he was surely given a bitter taste of life, and then eventually became one of the greatest rulers during that time. Note, becoming a slave, and being thrown into prison for something you did not do, and the scriptures testify Joseph was favored of God. Joseph was also obedient to God in all these trials.
We have temple covenant members causing these great trials for other members. I remember the story of @Dark_Jedi and what he experienced, and I hope he is doing well. This though is one aspect of life that burns me. One day we will see with spiritual eyes. I look forward to that time, but right now, it creates more questions.

I perceive that while most responses thus far do provide an applicable answer, they might not address what you are actually seeking to know.  Here is my perspective on the matter:
The reality is that, yes, as you posited, God 'could' have disposed of Laban some other way.  However, there is an important principle at play: God works within the bounds of the agency of man.  While He often influences men, sometimes even in very direct or extreme ways, such as with Paul, Alma the younger, etc, whenever possible, He will allow men, using their agency, to fulfill His purposes for Him.  God knew where Laban would be, why he would be there, where Zoram would be, what their states of mind would be, etc, etc, etc.  With that knowledge, He could guide Nephi by the Spirit to where Laban would be, have him kill Laban, impersonate Laban to coerce Zoram who would lead him directly to the plates, and then return safely back to his brothers.   Not only did this accomplish the goals the Lord had in mind, it also enabled the salvation of Zoram (who would likely not have received this opportunity any other way), who was a friend to Nephi from that time forward.
Additionally, in regard to the killing of Laban, not only are the words the Spirit spoke to Nephi applicable, as well as what @zil pointed out in her reference to Abraham 3:25, but it is also important to realize that mortality is relatively insignificant to the Lord, who has a truly eternal perspective.  Regardless of the possibly many lives impacted, murder is wrong mostly because it removes an individuals opportunity to repent.  God, however, has a perfect plan that accounts to provide every one of His children  the opportunity to repent.  In the end, those who would have received the gospel in this life may inherit every blessing as those of us who do.
It is clear that not only Laban, but also his forefathers were the keepers of the plates.  He would have had the opportunity to read them, study them, and have the knowledge of the truth.  Since Zoram perceived it as normal for Laban to present the plates to the elders, it is apparent that he may have done so on occasion.  Regardless, however, the Lord knows and knew Laban's heart.  Laban was living a life of wickedness, it is highly doubtful that the Lord would end his life if he knew he would repent and become righteous.  Was Laban not aware of the many prophets, including Lehi, who had prophesied?  Even so, as @skalenfehl pointed out, Jerusalem was on the brink of destruction and captivity, and Laban's days were likely numbered anyway.
If God had disposed of Laban via different means, how much more difficult might it have been for Nephi to procure the plates?  Would they have been in the same location? Would Nephi still have been able to successfully impersonate Laban?  Would the Lord just as easily have been able to allow for the freedom and salvation of Zoram?  My assumption is that while obviously all things are possible to God, such an interference, would have required additional interference to play out as needed.  There are many additional historical occurrences of God allowing men (both righteous and wicked) to use agency to bring about his purposes.  Some examples include Adam and Eve partaking of the fruit to induce the fall, the many many times the Israelites and Nephites were captive to incite them to the remembrance of the Lord, and even the Crucifixion of his own Son by His children acting in ignorance and wickedness.
In regard to your other questions there was no need to prove Nephi's loyalty, it is clear that once he had a sufficient withness of the Spirit, he acted swiftly and decisively.  It is unlikely that any transformation occurred for Nephi aside from the strengthening of his testimony, because once he knew of a surety that the direction to kill Laban came from the Lord, he would never at any point in his life have reason to look back on his decision with remorse or regret.  The rules had not changed for Nephi, only the Lord can command to kill with a perfect knowledge of the repercussions, Nephi's witness of the Spirit would also lead him to know that should such action be required again, he would be able to recognize whether it were of God or not.  It was obvious from Nephi's previous experiences that he knew he could not return to Jerusalem, this event/action would not have been related.  Nephi was being tested, but only in the same way each of us are tested in our trials and through our spiritual experiences and personal revelations.  Notice that Nephi's initial reservation was not that it was a terrible thing to take Laban's life, but that he had never taken a life previously; he was likely shocked that he himself would be commanded to do such a thing, which normally is a grave sin, but might not have been as shocked that Lord would use this method to achieve his purposes.
So now we come full circle and can piece together these ideas to reasonably conclude, that God, using and allowing for the agency of man, and acting in use of his foreknowledge of individuals and events, called one of His children to take a seemingly very serious action that would ultimately be of little significance in the eternal perspective, but which would enable blessings and opportunities of extreme significance to His great plan.  Thus He declared, "It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief."

As to the value of the records that Nephi obtained by killing Laban, and the purposes for which they were used see Alma 37: 3 - 10, particularly verse 9
 
3  And these plates of brass, which contain these engravings, which have the records of the holy scriptures upon them, which have the genealogy of our forefathers, even from the beginning—
4  Behold, it has been prophesied by our fathers, that they should be kept and handed down from one generation to another, and be kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord until they should go forth unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, that they shall know of the mysteries contained thereon.
5  And now behold, if they are kept they must retain their brightness; yea, and they will retain their brightness; yea, and also shall all the plates which do contain that which is holy writ.
6  Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
7  And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls.
8  And now, it has hitherto been wisdom in God that these things should be preserved; for behold, they have enlarged the memory of this people, yea, and convinced many of the error of their ways, and brought them to the knowledge of their God unto the salvation of their souls.
9  Yea, I say unto you, were it not for these things that these records do contain, which are on these plates, Ammon and his brethren could not have convinced so many thousands of the Lamanites of the incorrect tradition of their fathers; yea, these records and their words brought them unto repentance; that is, they brought them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and to rejoice in Jesus Christ their Redeemer.
10  And who knoweth but what they will be the means of bringing many thousands of them, yea, and also many thousands of our stiffnecked brethren, the Nephites, who are now hardening their hearts in sin and iniquities, to the knowledge of their Redeemer?
 

The short answer is because the the Lord said to do so. The more lengthy answer was because the Lord required Nephi and his posterity to have the brass plates to preserve their knowledge of the Lord so that they didn't dwindle in unbelief. This term is very significant. Anyway, everyone's life at Jerusalem, including Laban's was forfeit. They were about to be destroyed by Babylon. Laban was an evil fruit good for nothing but to be cast into the fire. Furthermore, Laban had cast out Nephi and his brothers three times, having sent his servants to slay them unjustly while robbing the four brothers of their family inheritance. Laban had broken the laws of God and of the land. Nephi was not only commanded by the Lord slay Laban, but was justified. Had Nephi declined to do so, one of the consequences might be that Laban would have sent his armies to find Nephi and his family after having taken the record anyway, ending Lehi's journey to the promised land. Another scenario is Laban losing his life to the Babylonian armies when they came to destroy Jerusalem. The bottom line is Laban's life was forfeited. Nephi, having inherited the tokens of kingship (genealogy/brass plates, sword, Liahona, Laban's clothes), he became the ruler and teacher of his family just as the Lord had prophesied. Had Laban been righteous, he would have been the rightful heir to that role, being the sole guardian of the record of Joseph. 
 

First, I don't know that it's our business to understand why the Lord commanded the death of Laban in this way.
Second, if there is understanding to be had, we must first remember / recognize things like our eternal nature, that God is omniscient and just, that Laban was deserving of death under the law of the place and time, etc.  (In other words, we have to get past our modernism and discomfort with someone getting their head chopped off / stop viewing that act as universally unacceptable.)
Third, I think at least one answer to your questions about Nephi killing Laban and about faithful members enduring trials can be found in Abraham 3:25:
The difficult part is that eventually, whatever it takes, all those who intend to enter the celestial kingdom will have to demonstrate that they are willing to obey all God's commands, no matter what - and it's that "no matter what" that the trials teach us.
IMO, your question is essentially the same as the age-old "Why does God allow suffering?" question.

I perceive that while most responses thus far do provide an applicable answer, they might not address what you are actually seeking to know.  Here is my perspective on the matter:
The reality is that, yes, as you posited, God 'could' have disposed of Laban some other way.  However, there is an important principle at play: God works within the bounds of the agency of man.  While He often influences men, sometimes even in very direct or extreme ways, such as with Paul, Alma the younger, etc, whenever possible, He will allow men, using their agency, to fulfill His purposes for Him.  God knew where Laban would be, why he would be there, where Zoram would be, what their states of mind would be, etc, etc, etc.  With that knowledge, He could guide Nephi by the Spirit to where Laban would be, have him kill Laban, impersonate Laban to coerce Zoram who would lead him directly to the plates, and then return safely back to his brothers.   Not only did this accomplish the goals the Lord had in mind, it also enabled the salvation of Zoram (who would likely not have received this opportunity any other way), who was a friend to Nephi from that time forward.
Additionally, in regard to the killing of Laban, not only are the words the Spirit spoke to Nephi applicable, as well as what @zil pointed out in her reference to Abraham 3:25, but it is also important to realize that mortality is relatively insignificant to the Lord, who has a truly eternal perspective.  Regardless of the possibly many lives impacted, murder is wrong mostly because it removes an individuals opportunity to repent.  God, however, has a perfect plan that accounts to provide every one of His children  the opportunity to repent.  In the end, those who would have received the gospel in this life may inherit every blessing as those of us who do.
It is clear that not only Laban, but also his forefathers were the keepers of the plates.  He would have had the opportunity to read them, study them, and have the knowledge of the truth.  Since Zoram perceived it as normal for Laban to present the plates to the elders, it is apparent that he may have done so on occasion.  Regardless, however, the Lord knows and knew Laban's heart.  Laban was living a life of wickedness, it is highly doubtful that the Lord would end his life if he knew he would repent and become righteous.  Was Laban not aware of the many prophets, including Lehi, who had prophesied?  Even so, as @skalenfehl pointed out, Jerusalem was on the brink of destruction and captivity, and Laban's days were likely numbered anyway.
If God had disposed of Laban via different means, how much more difficult might it have been for Nephi to procure the plates?  Would they have been in the same location? Would Nephi still have been able to successfully impersonate Laban?  Would the Lord just as easily have been able to allow for the freedom and salvation of Zoram?  My assumption is that while obviously all things are possible to God, such an interference, would have required additional interference to play out as needed.  There are many additional historical occurrences of God allowing men (both righteous and wicked) to use agency to bring about his purposes.  Some examples include Adam and Eve partaking of the fruit to induce the fall, the many many times the Israelites and Nephites were captive to incite them to the remembrance of the Lord, and even the Crucifixion of his own Son by His children acting in ignorance and wickedness.
In regard to your other questions there was no need to prove Nephi's loyalty, it is clear that once he had a sufficient withness of the Spirit, he acted swiftly and decisively.  It is unlikely that any transformation occurred for Nephi aside from the strengthening of his testimony, because once he knew of a surety that the direction to kill Laban came from the Lord, he would never at any point in his life have reason to look back on his decision with remorse or regret.  The rules had not changed for Nephi, only the Lord can command to kill with a perfect knowledge of the repercussions, Nephi's witness of the Spirit would also lead him to know that should such action be required again, he would be able to recognize whether it were of God or not.  It was obvious from Nephi's previous experiences that he knew he could not return to Jerusalem, this event/action would not have been related.  Nephi was being tested, but only in the same way each of us are tested in our trials and through our spiritual experiences and personal revelations.  Notice that Nephi's initial reservation was not that it was a terrible thing to take Laban's life, but that he had never taken a life previously; he was likely shocked that he himself would be commanded to do such a thing, which normally is a grave sin, but might not have been as shocked that Lord would use this method to achieve his purposes.
So now we come full circle and can piece together these ideas to reasonably conclude, that God, using and allowing for the agency of man, and acting in use of his foreknowledge of individuals and events, called one of His children to take a seemingly very serious action that would ultimately be of little significance in the eternal perspective, but which would enable blessings and opportunities of extreme significance to His great plan.  Thus He declared, "It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief."

In our time we have practically unlimited storage capacity for the written word, and are able to preserve it digitally for a perceived eternity.  Nephi had a purpose and a calling to fulfill, and those who were to write upon the plates must take the responsibility to write those things which would persuade men to come unto Christ.  Imagine if all authors had this perspective in mind, or even if they sought to just be completely truthful in their writings.  Nephi's wisdom is notable as he wanted us to know how important it was that he would not write things which are pleasing to the world.
Given that the Book of Mormon was written and prepared for our day, we can clearly see that the world is replete with those who seek to please the world.  The mingling of the philosophies of men with scripture is used to justify many abominable actions.  Nephi laid down the law, so to speak, by giving a commandment unto his seed.  This command was taken seriously enough that not only was it passed on with each new generation, but even Omni, a self acknowledged wicked man, did his part to preserve the record and add information of worth!  I hope that I can and will pass my testimony on to my children and grandchildren, etc, in a way that could somehow impact them similarly.

In our time we have practically unlimited storage capacity for the written word, and are able to preserve it digitally for a perceived eternity.  Nephi had a purpose and a calling to fulfill, and those who were to write upon the plates must take the responsibility to write those things which would persuade men to come unto Christ.  Imagine if all authors had this perspective in mind, or even if they sought to just be completely truthful in their writings.  Nephi's wisdom is notable as he wanted us to know how important it was that he would not write things which are pleasing to the world.
Given that the Book of Mormon was written and prepared for our day, we can clearly see that the world is replete with those who seek to please the world.  The mingling of the philosophies of men with scripture is used to justify many abominable actions.  Nephi laid down the law, so to speak, by giving a commandment unto his seed.  This command was taken seriously enough that not only was it passed on with each new generation, but even Omni, a self acknowledged wicked man, did his part to preserve the record and add information of worth!  I hope that I can and will pass my testimony on to my children and grandchildren, etc, in a way that could somehow impact them similarly.

In my mind, this verse provides additional insight to note that Lehi was likely not yet called as a prophet prior to the revelatory experiences detailed in chapter one.  This would also give further credence to the idea that if Lehi was just recently called, his family, including his wife, would not yet all have had the personal revelation to know that his calling and actions have been true.  Nephi and Sam had already received their witness; Laman and Lemuel continually rejected the opportunity to receive theirs;  now, finally, Sariah was pushed to the trial of her faith, and from my perspective she mostly failed.
The fact that Sariah complained and did not initially endure her trial faithfully is important for our profit and learning.  We see in verses 4-6 that Lehi comforted Sariah.  He did this by sharing his own testimony of his experiences and of the things the Lord had called their family to do.  When we experience trials, the Lord does not want us to go it alone.  He stands ready to comfort us and bless us with His Spirit, but also often places spouses, family, friends and others who can help comfort us if we allow them to do so.  Sariah's trial is scriptural evidence that even the faithful fall and rise again.  She was the wife of a prophet was she not?  However, after the trial of her faith, she received her witness, and her experience was powerful enough for her to proclaim "Now I Know of a surety. . ."
Thomas, even an Apostle of the Lord, faltered in a similar capacity and would not even believe the witness of his brethren, but still received the mercy of the Lord further enabling him to go on to fulfill his calling.  In His mercy, even when we falter, the Lord will still provide means to strengthen us and enable us to receive of Him and to have exceeding joy, as did Sariah and the whole family upon the return of Nephi and his brothers.  No matter our experiences, murmurings and misgivings, we can find comfort, and in the end, in the Lords time, receive our own witness for each trial we are called to bear.
Prior to reading directly from the plates, it appears Lehi had little knowledge of its contents.  The opportunity to read scripture in such a fashion was a new experience for this family, and they devoured the words within excitedly.  Imagine what knowledge we could have if we sought to read the the scriptures as much as we fight over who's turn it is with the remote, or the car, or the newest Harry Potter book, or whatever it is that calls to us so strongly.  If today the First Presidency announced a new book of scripture, who among us would not jump at the chance to delve into its pages?  Yet somehow we often fail to search, ponder and pray on the words of the prophets we have today.  Hopefully we each see for ourselves that they are 'of great worth unto us' and teach our children to do the same.

Verse 6 is often cited as an example showing that the Spirit is able to lead us even when we ourselves are unable to see the path.  A few things came to mind about Nephi's situation as I was pondering this verse:
Nephi knew where he was going - towards the house of Laban. Nephi knew how to get where he was going - he had been to Laban's house at least once before. Nephi knew why he was going there - to get the brass plates and to preserve language and scripture among his people. Nephi knew going by night gave him the best advantage. In this particular situation, Nephi had tried all other reasonable options he could think of; he also had a sufficient knowledge and plan related to his purpose and task.  There was only one piece missing.  He knew the end goal, but given previous failed attempts he did not know what specifically to do to achieve it.  As a result he trusted in the Lord, and we clearly see that the Lord did provide.
We are often blessed with the knowledge of our end goal and the reasons we want to achieve it, but yet still are burdened with determining what we must do to achieve it, or how we can accomplish those things.  The most recurrent example of this is the process of repentance and overcoming the natural man.  We are blessed to know our end goal, eternal life in God's presence.  We even know how to get there, by keeping the commandments and relying on the atonement of Jesus Christ.  Additionally, we even know why we want that goal, to become like God and receive of all the Father hath.  Yet day in and day out we struggle to make the best decisions as individuals, parents, employees, citizens, etc.  Often our struggles result in sin, defiance, addiction, and sorrow, among other things.  This is where the Lord steps in.  In and through His grace and mercy we can be blessed with the Spirit to lead us and guide us in our daily lives.  Even when we don't know the things which we should do to accomplish what he asks of us, He will prepare the way as we trust in Him.  Sometimes that way is painful and difficult, but it always leads us to achieve the end goal.
An example of such a difficult task is that which Nephi was given: to kill, having never done so before.
Imagine what might go through your mind if given such a command.  "Was that my idea, or was it the Lords?  Can it possibly be okay to kill a man for this purpose?  If it wasn't the Lord, and I simply imagined that it was, what will become of my salvation and standing before Him?  Should I go consult with my brothers first?  Is there any other way I can get this done?"  I would assume that such a command from the Spirit would cause many to shrink with the desire to not follow through.  How many times has the Spirit spoken to men who's initial reaction involves a desire not to obey. (Um. . . Abraham, Jonah, Moses, Joseph Smith, Amulek, Moroni and many more examples come from our scriptures alone)  How often does this happen with each of us?
A second prompting is certainly a great blessing to encourage follow through of an inspired course of action.  However, now that Nephi is more certain that this is what the Lord wants him to do, I personally interpret that he is trying to justify it in his mind, but with his limited perspective.  'Laban tried to kill me, he rejects the commandments, and he stole our stuff! (which we had already forsaken anyway)'.  While rationalizing a command of God is completely reasonable, it is His purpose to fulfill, it is upon His knowledge that it is based, not ours.  And so the Spirit prompts Nephi a third time, this time revealing unto him a deeper and more divine objective in this difficult task:
Now with the Lord's purpose in mind, Nephi's thoughts are guided to an eternal perspective and his eyes are opened to see the great importance of the task at hand:
I imagine that for Nephi this was one of those powerful connect the dots moments, such as when you read the scriptures and find something amazing you've never noticed before; an epiphanic moment when truth is not only revealed but is also spiritually welded into your being and becomes a part of you forever.  Such a knowledge and such an experience is sufficient to lead one to swift decisive action, as it did for Nephi:
No more wavering, no more wrestling with the Lord.  Nephi knew what he was called to do, and the implications, so he acted.  We too are often called to act, often on a much smaller scale, yet with possibly similar repercussions.  Our children, families, neighbors, and others with whom we come in contact rely, in measures of varying degrees, on our spirituality, wisdom, knowledge, and preparedness.  As we seek and follow the guidance of the Spirit, we can be blessed with the Lords wisdom in our lives, which will enable us to do things we could never, or would never do without Him.
On an anecdotal side note, if we consider verses 18-23 from a secular 'birds-eye' perspective, we read that Nephi, after rationalizing killing a man, also dressed in his clothes, and altered his voice to act out the identity of his victim.  These could be identified as traits of a psychopathic murderer, with a potentially long list of mental health issues.  Yet we know Nephi lived a righteous and fulfilling life.  The difference?  One is led by the fallen nature of man, potentially incited further by the adversary, the other received a true command from God.  This is one example, where only the Spirit will lead both the one who acts, as well as those who observe (or in this case read) to discern the truth.  Hence the insincere non-believer would more vehemently find cause to reject, while the humble receiver would behold the miracle and the wisdom of God.

Verse 6 is often cited as an example showing that the Spirit is able to lead us even when we ourselves are unable to see the path.  A few things came to mind about Nephi's situation as I was pondering this verse:
Nephi knew where he was going - towards the house of Laban. Nephi knew how to get where he was going - he had been to Laban's house at least once before. Nephi knew why he was going there - to get the brass plates and to preserve language and scripture among his people. Nephi knew going by night gave him the best advantage. In this particular situation, Nephi had tried all other reasonable options he could think of; he also had a sufficient knowledge and plan related to his purpose and task.  There was only one piece missing.  He knew the end goal, but given previous failed attempts he did not know what specifically to do to achieve it.  As a result he trusted in the Lord, and we clearly see that the Lord did provide.
We are often blessed with the knowledge of our end goal and the reasons we want to achieve it, but yet still are burdened with determining what we must do to achieve it, or how we can accomplish those things.  The most recurrent example of this is the process of repentance and overcoming the natural man.  We are blessed to know our end goal, eternal life in God's presence.  We even know how to get there, by keeping the commandments and relying on the atonement of Jesus Christ.  Additionally, we even know why we want that goal, to become like God and receive of all the Father hath.  Yet day in and day out we struggle to make the best decisions as individuals, parents, employees, citizens, etc.  Often our struggles result in sin, defiance, addiction, and sorrow, among other things.  This is where the Lord steps in.  In and through His grace and mercy we can be blessed with the Spirit to lead us and guide us in our daily lives.  Even when we don't know the things which we should do to accomplish what he asks of us, He will prepare the way as we trust in Him.  Sometimes that way is painful and difficult, but it always leads us to achieve the end goal.
An example of such a difficult task is that which Nephi was given: to kill, having never done so before.
Imagine what might go through your mind if given such a command.  "Was that my idea, or was it the Lords?  Can it possibly be okay to kill a man for this purpose?  If it wasn't the Lord, and I simply imagined that it was, what will become of my salvation and standing before Him?  Should I go consult with my brothers first?  Is there any other way I can get this done?"  I would assume that such a command from the Spirit would cause many to shrink with the desire to not follow through.  How many times has the Spirit spoken to men who's initial reaction involves a desire not to obey. (Um. . . Abraham, Jonah, Moses, Joseph Smith, Amulek, Moroni and many more examples come from our scriptures alone)  How often does this happen with each of us?
A second prompting is certainly a great blessing to encourage follow through of an inspired course of action.  However, now that Nephi is more certain that this is what the Lord wants him to do, I personally interpret that he is trying to justify it in his mind, but with his limited perspective.  'Laban tried to kill me, he rejects the commandments, and he stole our stuff! (which we had already forsaken anyway)'.  While rationalizing a command of God is completely reasonable, it is His purpose to fulfill, it is upon His knowledge that it is based, not ours.  And so the Spirit prompts Nephi a third time, this time revealing unto him a deeper and more divine objective in this difficult task:
Now with the Lord's purpose in mind, Nephi's thoughts are guided to an eternal perspective and his eyes are opened to see the great importance of the task at hand:
I imagine that for Nephi this was one of those powerful connect the dots moments, such as when you read the scriptures and find something amazing you've never noticed before; an epiphanic moment when truth is not only revealed but is also spiritually welded into your being and becomes a part of you forever.  Such a knowledge and such an experience is sufficient to lead one to swift decisive action, as it did for Nephi:
No more wavering, no more wrestling with the Lord.  Nephi knew what he was called to do, and the implications, so he acted.  We too are often called to act, often on a much smaller scale, yet with possibly similar repercussions.  Our children, families, neighbors, and others with whom we come in contact rely, in measures of varying degrees, on our spirituality, wisdom, knowledge, and preparedness.  As we seek and follow the guidance of the Spirit, we can be blessed with the Lords wisdom in our lives, which will enable us to do things we could never, or would never do without Him.
On an anecdotal side note, if we consider verses 18-23 from a secular 'birds-eye' perspective, we read that Nephi, after rationalizing killing a man, also dressed in his clothes, and altered his voice to act out the identity of his victim.  These could be identified as traits of a psychopathic murderer, with a potentially long list of mental health issues.  Yet we know Nephi lived a righteous and fulfilling life.  The difference?  One is led by the fallen nature of man, potentially incited further by the adversary, the other received a true command from God.  This is one example, where only the Spirit will lead both the one who acts, as well as those who observe (or in this case read) to discern the truth.  Hence the insincere non-believer would more vehemently find cause to reject, while the humble receiver would behold the miracle and the wisdom of God.