The Word of Wisdom is a law of health revealed by the Lord for the physical and spiritual benefit of His children. On February 27, 1833, as recorded in
Additional Information
In the Word of Wisdom, the Lord revealed that the following substances are harmful:
Alcoholic drinks (see D&C 89:5-7).
Tobacco (see D&C 89:8).
Tea and coffee (see D&C 89:9; latter-day prophets have taught that the term “hot drinks,” as written in this verse, refers to tea and coffee).
When people purposefully take anything harmful into their bodies, they are not living in harmony with the Word of Wisdom. Illegal drugs can especially destroy those who use them. The abuse of prescription drugs is also destructive spiritually and physically.
The Lord also declared in the Word of Wisdom that the following foods are good:
Vegetables and fruits, which should be used “with prudence and thanksgiving” (see D&C 89:10-11).
The flesh “of beasts and of the fowls of the air,” which is “to be used sparingly” (see D&C 89:12-13).
Grains such as wheat, rice, and oats, which are “the staff of life” (see D&C 89:14-17).
To those who keep the Word of Wisdom, the Lord promised:
“All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
”And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
“And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
”And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them“ (D&C 89:18-21).
The best course is to completely avoid the substances that the Lord prohibits in the Word of Wisdom. Those who have engaged in addictive behaviors can stop and become free from addiction. Through personal effort, strength from the Lord, help from family members and friends, and guidance from Church leaders, anyone can overcome addiction.
See also Obedience; Temptation
—See True to the Faith (2004), 186-88
Scripture References
Additional Study Materials
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"Observing the Word of Wisdom"
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, Chapter 21 -
"Living the Word of Wisdom"
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, Chapter 11 -
"Word of Wisdom"
Encyclopedia of Mormonism -
"Word of Wisdom"
Guide to the Scriptures -
Addiction Recovery Program
LDS Family Services -
"The Word of Wisdom: 'A Principle with Promise' "
Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 22 -
"The Lord's Law of Health"
Gospel Principles, Chapter 29 -
"Living the Word of Wisdom"
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, Chapter 29 -
"The Word of Wisdom: A Law for the Physical and Spiritual Health of the Saints"
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, Chapter 36
