THE
DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
SECTION 89
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 27, 1833. HC 1: 327–329. As a consequence of the early brethren using tobacco in their meetings, the Prophet was led to ponder upon the matter; consequently he inquired of the Lord concerning it. This revelation, known as the Word of Wisdom, was the result. The first three verses were originally written as an inspired introduction and description by the Prophet.
1–9, Use of wine, strong drinks, tobacco, and hot drinks proscribed; 10–17, Herbs, fruits, flesh, and grain are ordained for the use of man and of animals; 18–21, Obedience to gospel law, including the Word of Wisdom, brings temporal and spiritual blessings.
1
A aWord OF Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion—
2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the
aword of wisdom, showing forth the order and
bwill of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—
3 Given for a principle with
apromise, adapted to the capacity of the
bweak and the weakest of all
csaints, who are or can be called saints.
4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of
aevils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of
bconspiring men in the last days, I have
cwarned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this
word of wisdom by revelation—
5 That inasmuch as
any man adrinketh bwine 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.
6 And, behold,
this should be wine, yea, apure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make. 7 And, again,
astrong drinks are not for the belly,
but for the washing of your bodies. 8 And again, tobacco is not for the
abody, 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.
9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.
10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome
aherbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—
11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with
aprudence and
bthanksgiving.
12 Yea,
aflesh also of
bbeasts 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
csparingly;
13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be
aused, only in times of winter, or of cold, or
bfamine.
14 All
agrain 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;
15 And
athese hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.
16 All grain is good for the
afood of man; as also the
bfruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—
17 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.
18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments,
ashall receive
bhealth in their navel and marrow to their bones;
20 And shall
arun and not be
bweary, and shall walk and not faint.
21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the
adestroying angel shall
bpass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.