Obey the Word of Wisdom--What is the Word of Wisdom?

The Lord revealed a law of health to the Prophet Joseph Smith. This law is called the Word of Wisdom. 1

All laws of God are spiritual, 2 but many have physical benefits. The Word of Wisdom teaches us what foods and substances we should refrain from using in order to maintain physical health and to give us the spiritual strength to resist and overcome evil influences.

If we follow the Word of Wisdom, the Lord promises us health, strength, protection from evil, and greater ability to receive and understand truth.

Word of Wisdom prohibitions

In the Word of Wisdom, the Lord commands us not to partake of the following substances:

• Alcoholic drinks 3
• Tobacco 4
• Tea and coffee 5 Note: Latter-day prophets have taught that the interpretation of “hot drinks” refers to tea and coffee.

This list, of course, was not intended to be inclusive. Wisdom demands that ingesting known harmful substances is a violation of the Word of Wisdom. Illegal drugs, for instance, should be strictly avoided. Likewise, abusing prescription drugs can harm the body and lead to addiction.

Desired foods in the Word of Wisdom

On the other hand, the Word of Wisdom offers us a list of foods that, excepting rare individual circumstances, build the body’s health and strength.

• Vegetables and fruits, which should be eaten “with prudence and thanksgiving.” 6
• The flesh “of beasts and of the fowls of the air, which should be “used sparingly.” 7
• Grains such as wheat, rice, and oats, which, for humans, are “the staff of life.” 8

Blessings for observing the Word of Wisdom

The Lord promises amazing blessings to those who keep the Word of Wisdom: 9

• “Health in their navels and marrow in their bones”
• “Wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures”
• “[The ability to] run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint”
• “The destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them.”

Questions about 'Obey the Word of Wisdom--What is the Word of Wisdom?'

• The Word of Wisdom is the Lord's law of health. To whom did he reveal the Word of Wisdom?



• The Word of Wisdom is unsually considered a law for the physical body, but how does the Word of Wisdom bless us spiritually?



• What substances does the Word of Wisdom prohibit? Is tis list inclusive?



• What substances does the Word of Wisdom endorse?



• What are the blessings for living the Word of Wisdom?

References for 'Obey the Word of Wisdom--What is the Word of Wisdom?'

1. see D&C 89
2. D&C 29:34 – Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.
3. D&C 89:5-7 – That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him. And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make. And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.
4. D&C 89:8 – And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.
5. D&C 89:9 – And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.
6. D&C 89:10-11 – And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
7. D&C 89:12-13 – Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly; And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.
8. D&C 89:14-17 – All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth; And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger. All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.
9. D&C 89:18-21 – And 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. Amen.