The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expects its members to adhere to a strict code of health. Non-members of the church may be confused by the existence of such a stringent set of rules and wonder how Mormons feel about them.
What is the Word of Wisdom?
The Word of Wisdom is the name given to the official code of health for Mormons. It includes complete avoidance of substances like tobacco and alcohol. The Word of Wisdom also prohibits the use of “hot drinks,” which have been interpreted by church leaders to mean specifically coffee and tea. The Word of Wisdom counsels individuals to eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep.
Through a church pamphlet entitled For the Strength of Youth, recent leaders of the church have also added prohibitions against using illegal drugs or abuse of medications or household chemicals “to produce a sensation or ‘high’.”
Origins of the Word of Wisdom
The Word of Wisdom is recorded in a Mormon book of scripture known as the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C). The D&C is a collection of revelations from God published by Joseph Smith, the prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The 89th section of the Doctrine and Covenants contains the Word of Wisdom in its entirety. This particular revelation was given to Joseph Smith at Kirtland, Ohio on February 27, 1833. The church was only three years old at that point, and many of the members used chewing tobacco during church meetings. Smith’s wife Emma, who had to clean tobacco spittle off the floor after meetings, asked her husband about it. He took the matter to the Lord and in answer received the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom.
The first three verses of D&C 89 are not part of the revelation, but an introduction to the revelation written by Smith.
Importance of the Word of Wisdom
Obeying the Word of Wisdom is essential for baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is also necessary in order for members to qualify for entrance to the temple. Though it became mandatory in gradual increments, church leaders have always emphasized the importance of following the Word of Wisdom.
- N. Eldon Tanner, 1981: “This revelation has such far-reaching effects on so many aspects of our lives, and on the social behavior of those in our communities, that I firmly believe most of the ills of society today could be cured by the acceptance and observance of the Word of Wisdom… Surely the Lord gave a revelation and a promise for the benefit and blessing of his children.”
- Joseph B. Wirthlin, 1999: “Bringing into your body substances forbidden by the Lord in the Word of Wisdom will prevent you from feeling and recognizing the promptings of the Holy Ghost.”
- Gordon B. Hinckley, 2006: “What a blessing! What a blessing is the Word of Wisdom, that the Lord would set before His Church a pattern of living which would bless our lives.”
Word of Wisdom and the Food Pyramid
Though many Mormons focus on the prohibitions contained in the Word of Wisdom, it also gives the pattern for a nutritious diet. It counsels people to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Meat is to be eaten sparingly. Many people are surprised to learn that the Word of Wisdom was given in 1833, long before the ill effects of alcohol or cigarettes were known. The revelation also bears remarkable similarities to the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, which first appeared in 1992.
Promised Blessings of the Word of Wisdom
Doctrine and Covenants 89:3 calls the Word of Wisdom “a principle with a promise.” At the end of the revelation, people are promised that adherence to the Word of Wisdom will bring them:
- Health
- Wisdom and spiritual treasures
- The ability to “run and not be weary, and [to] walk and not faint.”
Adherence to the Word of Wisdom is often one of the most salient marks of Mormonism. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are expected to adhere to the 1833 Word of Wisdom as contained in D&C 89.
Sources:
For the Strength of Youth, 2001.
N. Eldon Tanner. “First Presidency Message,” Ensign, 1981.
Joseph B. Wirthlin. “Growing into the Priesthood,” New Era, 1999.
Gordon B. Hinckley. “Words of the Prophet: The Body is Sacred,” Ensign, 2006.
Doctrine and Covenants 89.
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