Why scriptures are important

Alma gave the records of the Nephite nation to his son, Helaman, with
the command that he add to the record of the people.

"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" (Alma 37:4)

Alma said further that "by small and simple things are great things
brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the
wise" (verse 6).

It is 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" (verse 8).

Read more at http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/37