The Word of Wisdom came about because the wife of Joseph Smith complained about having to clean up after the early church leadership
Word of Wisdom Introduction
Many people know that Mormons do not drink coffee, tea, alcohol, and that they do not smoke tobacco. What many people do not know is why the Mormons follow this particular dietary code. The Word of Wisdom, as the followers of the Mormon faith call it, can be found in the Doctrine and Covenants Section 89. The wording of the actual text is somewhat confusing and bears little resemblance to how most Mormons follow it today.
What the Word of Wisdom Says
The Word of Wisdom as it is written forbids hot drinks, use of tobacco, and strong alcoholic beverages but condones the usage of mild beverages of barley. Some amateur theologians like this one theorize that in the context of the time Joseph Smith actually meant the temperature at which the drink was served and not chemicals in coffee or tea itself.
Emma Smith Cleaning Up After the Brethren
The Word of Wisdom as a revelation came because the long suffering wife of Joseph Smith, Emma was sick of cleaning up after the early Mormon leadership, many of whom chewed tobacco. After Joseph Smith received one too many complaints from his wife, the revelation that would become Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants was delivered in a meeting of the early church leaders. The ideas contained in the Word of Wisdom represent scientific and medical thought of the Nineteenth century rather than being an example of Joseph Smith's prophetic power.
When the Word of Wisdom Became a Mormon Commandment
The wording suggests that the Word of Wisdom is not a commandment, but many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints follow the Word of Wisdom religiously. A copy of the Millennial Star from February 1852 states that the commandments given in section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants became binding on the Mormon membership when Brigham Young said they should obey it. The opinion of the second Mormon prophet remained his opinion until 1869 when Brigham Young repeated his earlier position and further added that all words that came from the mouth of God were binding on the membership of the church.
Studies about the health benefits of coffee and tea have negated many parts of the Word of Wisdom as it is followed by Mormons today to be inaccurate, but how it became to be a commandment for the Mormons from being merely words of advice was an interesting process that required a declaration directly from Brigham Young.
