Word of Wisdom

The Lord’s law of health that blesses us physically and spiritually

The human body is a miracle. Each one is made up of cells, tissues, organs, and complex systems that all work together to function. Just think of it—the human heart beats more than 100,000 times in a single day. The brain controls thoughts, breathing, and vision, along with many other processes. And the body can even heal itself and fight infections.

But as miraculous as all of this is, the most remarkable thing about the human body is that each person is created in the image of God (see Moses 2:27). Our bodies are gifts from Him. They help us accomplish our eternal purpose to become more like God as we choose to obey His commandments. We can honor Him for the precious gift of our bodies by treating them with care and respect. One important way we can do this is by living the Word of Wisdom—revealed principles of good health that bless us both physically and spiritually.

What Is the Word of Wisdom?

The Word of Wisdom is a revelation given by the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1833, now recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 89. The Word of Wisdom teaches us to eat things such as grains, fruits, and herbs and to avoid things such as tobacco, alcohol, tea, and coffee. In addition, prophets have taught that we should refrain from other “substances that are harmful, illegal, or addictive or that impair judgment.” The Word of Wisdom and Church leaders don’t specify all substances or practices that are harmful to us—we are encouraged to use “wisdom and prayerful judgment in making choices” that affect our health.

Although the Word of Wisdom was originally given “not by commandment or constraint” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:2), the Lord’s servants have since taught that obeying the Word of Wisdom is a requirement for receiving the full blessings of the restored gospel, including baptism, missionary service, and temple ordinances.

Topic overview: Word of Wisdom

Related gospel study guides: Commandments, Conversion, Obedience

Section 1

The Word of Wisdom Is the Lord’s Law of Health

The fact that the Lord would give a revelation like the Word of Wisdom says something important about Him—and about us. Some might expect religion to be concerned only with spiritual matters and that our physical bodies would be of little concern. But in the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are taught that in God’s eyes, our physical bodies are sacred, and the physical and spiritual are closely connected. The Word of Wisdom is a sign of God’s love—He gave it to us because He wants us to be healthy and happy, both physically and spiritually.

Things to think about

The Word of Wisdom was inspired, in part, by a concern Emma Smith had. Read about it in “The Word of Wisdom” in Revelations in Context. Then, as you read the revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 89, look for truths God revealed that went beyond addressing Emma’s concern. What does this revelation teach you about the Lord and the way He teaches His children?
The Lord called the Word of Wisdom “a principle with promise” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:3). As you read Doctrine and Covenants 89, you could list the principles and promises you find. This definition of “principle” from Elder David A. Bednar might help: “A gospel principle is a doctrinally based guideline for the righteous exercise of moral agency.” After making your lists, ponder what it might mean to follow these principles “with prudence and thanksgiving” (verse 11). How have you noticed the Lord keeping His promises as you live the Word of Wisdom?

Activities for learning with others

Read together “Your Body Is Sacred” from For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices. Then role-play what to say when someone asks why we don’t do things like smoke or drink alcohol, coffee, or tea. In your response, you might want to include the blessings we are promised for following the Word of Wisdom and share why this revelation is important to you personally. Talk about what you learned from this exercise and how you could use your responses in the future.
Historical context can help us better understand the Word of Wisdom and why we follow it. Videos such as “Word of Wisdom: What Is It?” (5:09) or “The Word of Wisdom: Development and Practice” (5:05) can help us learn about the background of the revelation. Children might enjoy watching “The Word of Wisdom” (2:10) in Doctrine and Covenants Stories. Talk about why it was important for God to reveal a law of health at the time that He did. How do you think the Word of Wisdom shows God’s love for His children? You could also discuss how these videos could help you answer others’ questions about the Word of Wisdom.

Learn more

Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, vol. 1, The Standard of Truth, 1815–1846 (2018), 166–68
Church History Topics, “Word of Wisdom (D&C 89),” Gospel Library

Section 2

Obeying the Principles of the Word of Wisdom Can Bring Us Physical and Spiritual Blessings

Although the Word of Wisdom sounds like a revelation about physical things, its blessings are both physical and spiritual (see Doctrine and Covenants 89:18–21). President Boyd K. Packer explained it this way: “I have come to know … that a fundamental purpose of the Word of Wisdom has to do with revelation. … If someone ‘under the influence’ can hardly listen to plain talk, how can they respond to spiritual promptings that touch their most delicate feelings? As valuable as the Word of Wisdom is as a law of health, it may be much more valuable to you spiritually than it is physically.” Keeping this commandment can help us have the Holy Ghost as our companion so we can receive revelation and progress on the path toward eternal life.

Things to think about

While the Word of Wisdom teaches us to avoid some things, it also teaches us to do positive things for our health. Watch the video “Word of Wisdom” (1:48) to learn how one man changed his life by following the Word of Wisdom better. Elder Richard G. Scott taught, “Exercise, reasonable amounts of sleep, and good eating habits increase our capacity to receive and understand revelation.” Ponder how you could improve the way you live the Word of Wisdom. How might those changes benefit you spiritually and help you receive revelation?
President Russell M. Nelson taught: “Your body … is a magnificent creation of God. It is a tabernacle of flesh—a temple for your spirit.” Ponder these words as you read 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 and Doctrine and Covenants 89:18–21. Consider how the body and the spirit are connected. What physical and spiritual blessings have you received for living the Word of Wisdom? You might ponder how obeying the Word of Wisdom enables you to “glorify God in your body, and in your spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:20). Record any impressions that come to you, and then act on them.

Activities for learning with others

The blessings we receive as we keep the Word of Wisdom may not always come at the time or in the way we expect. Read together from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s conference message “Continue in Patience” to learn how he discovered this for himself. You could then talk about how God has physically and spiritually blessed you for keeping the Word of Wisdom and how He could bless you in the future.
In certain situations, we might feel pressured to not follow the Word of Wisdom. Read Daniel 1 together, and notice how Daniel and his friends responded in a similar situation. Then read these words from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “Daniel had been raised as a follower of Jehovah. He believed in and worshipped the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He had studied the words of the prophets, and he knew of God’s interaction with man.

“But now, at a very young age, he was a prisoner-student in Babylon. The pressure on him must have been immense to abandon his old beliefs and adopt those of Babylon. But he stayed true to his faith—in word and in deed. …

“And the Lord did bless Daniel. Though his faith was challenged and ridiculed, he stayed true to what he knew by his own experience to be right.”

How did the Lord help Daniel and his friends in their situation? (see Daniel 1:9). How did He bless them for keeping their commitment? (see Daniel 1:15, 17–20). Discuss how you could be like Daniel whenever your commitment to follow the Word of Wisdom is challenged.

Learn more

Leviticus 10:9; 1 Corinthians 6:10; Doctrine and Covenants 49:18–21
Quentin L. Cook, “When Evil Appears Good and Good Appears Evil,” Ensign, Mar. 2018, 30–37
David A. Bednar, “The Principles of My Gospel,” Liahona, May 2021, 123–24
Boyd K. Packer, “The Word of Wisdom: The Principle and the Promises,” Ensign, May 1996, 17–19
“Vaping, Coffee, Tea, and Marijuana,” New Era, Aug. 2019, 28