Gospel Principles
Unit 7: Perfecting Our Lives
Chapter 29: The Lord's Law of Health
Comments and Resources

The Word of Wisdom
"Stephen L. Richards once said: "Every commandment of God is spiritual in nature...  The Word of Wisdom is spiritual.  It is true that it enjoins the use of deleterious substances and makes provisions for the health of the body.  But the largest measure of good derived from its observance is in increased faith and the development of more spiritual power and wisdom." (In Conference Report, Apr. 1949, p. 141.)

During the study of this topic, you will learn why the Lord gave the Word of Wisdom, what constitutes observance of it, and the blessings that the Lord has promised to the obedient.

Resources
Gospel Principles, chapter 29.
A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, chapter 25.

Scriptures:
Mosiah 22:7-8
  7 And I will go according to thy command and pay the last tribute of wine to the Lamanites, and they will be drunken; and we will pass through the secret pass on the left of their camp when they are drunken and asleep. 
  8 Thus we will depart with our women and our children, our flocks, and our herds into the wilderness; and we will travel around the land of Shilom. 

D&C 49:18-21; 89
  18 And whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats, that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God; 
  19 For, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance. 
  20 But it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth in sin. 
  21 And wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath no need. 



D&C 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. 


Deuteronomy 14:3-20
  3  Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing. 
  4 These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat, 
  5 The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois. 
  6 And every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, that ye shall eat. 
  7 Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; as the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; therefore they are unclean unto you. 
  8 And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase. 
  9  These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat: 
  10 And whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye may not eat; it is unclean unto you. 
  11  Of all clean birds ye shall eat. 
  12 But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, 
  13 And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind, 
  14 And every raven after his kind, 
  15 And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, 
  16 The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan, 
  17 And the pelican, and the gier eagle, and the cormorant, 
  18 And the stork, and the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat. 
  19 And every creeping thing that flieth is unclean unto you: they shall not be eaten. 
  20 But of all clean fowls ye may eat. 


Proverbs 23:20-21
  20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: 
  21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. 
 

Isaiah 5:11
11  Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!  

Daniel 1:3-15 Daniel does not defile himself with the king's meat and wine, their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat. 


Topical Guide: <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/tg/contents> 
                           Body, Sanctity of 
                           Drunkenness
                           Food
                           Health
                           Temperance, Temperate
                           Wisdom
                           Wine
                          Word of Wisdom
			   
Bible Dictionary:  <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/bd/contents>
                                Health
                                Kosher
                                Meat



 

Concept 1: Introduction

'One of the great blessings we received when we came to earth was a physical body.  We need a physical body to become like our Heavenly Father.  Our bodies are so important that the Lord calls them temples of God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 "16. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  
17. If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.").  Our bodies are holy.

Because our bodies are important, our Father in Heaven wants us to take good care of them.  He knows that we can be happier, better people if we are healthy.  The Spirit of our Heavenly Father can be with us if our bodies are clean.  Our Father knows that we face temptations to treat our bodies unwisely or to take harmful things into them.  For this reason he has told us which things are good for our health and which things are bad.  Much of the information God has given us concerning good health is found in Doctrine and Covenants 89.  This revelation is called the Word of Wisdom. 

We must obey the Word of Wisdom, to enter the temple.  If we do not obey the Word of Wisdom the Lord's Spirit may not dwell with us.  If we defile the "temple of God" which is our body, we hurt ourselves physically and spiritually.

Discussion 
Read Doctrine and Covenants 89.
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 Word 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 word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days 
  3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints. 
  4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation 
  5 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. 
  6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make. 
  7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies. 
  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. 
  9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly. 
  10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs 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 prudence and thanksgiving. 
  12 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; 
  13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine. 
  14 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; 
  15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger. 
  16 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 
  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, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; 
  19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; 
  20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. 
  21 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.'



Concept 2: We Are Commanded Not to Take Certain Things into Our Bodies

'The Lord commands us not to use wine and strong drinks, meaning drinks containing alcohol.  The First Presidency has taught strong drink often brings cruelty, poverty, diseases, and plague into the home.  It often is a cause of dishonesty, loss of chastity, and loss of good judgment.  It is a curse to all who drink it.  (see "Message for the First Presidency," Improvement Era, Nov. 1942, p. 686).  Expectant mothers who drink can cause physical and mental damage to their children.  Many automobiles accidents are caused each year by people who drink alcohol.

The Lord has also told us that "tobacco is not for the body" (D&C 89:8).  It is harmful to our bodies and our spirits.  We should not smoke cigarettes or cigars or use chewing tobacco.  Scientists have shown that tobacco causes many diseases and can harm unborn children.

The Lord also counsels us against the use of "hot drinks."  Church leaders have said that this means coffee and tea, which contains harmful drugs.  We should avoid all drinks that contain harmful drugs. 

We should not use drugs except when they are necessary as medicine.  Some drugs are even more harmful than alcohol and tobacco (which are also drugs).  Those who misuse drugs need to repent of this habit.

We should avoid anything that we know is harmful to our bodies.  We should not use any substance that is habit forming.  The Word of Wisdom does not tell us everything to avoid, but it does give us guidelines.  It is a valuable temporal law.  It is also a great spiritual law.  By living the Word of Wisdom, we become stronger spiritually.  We purify our bodies so the Spirit of Lord can dwell with us.

Discussion

What are the things we should not take into our bodies?'



Concept 3: We Are Taught That Certain Things Are Good for Our Bodies

'Fruits, vegetables, and wholesome herbs are good for us.  We should use them with wisdom and thanksgiving. 

The flesh of birds and animals is also provided for our food.  However, we should eat meat sparingly (D&C 49:18 "And whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats, that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God;" 89:12 "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;").  Fish is also good for us to eat.

Grains are good for us.  Wheat is especially good for us.  Grains may be used also to make mild drinks.

Discussion

According to the Word of Wisdom, what are some of the things the Lord says are good for us?'



Concept 4: Work, Cleanliness, Rest, and Exercise Are Important

'In addition to Doctrine and Covenants 89, other Scriptures  tell us how to be healthy.  They tell us that we should "cease to be idle; cease to be unclean;... cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary, arise early, that your bodies and minds may be invigorated" (D&C 88:124).  We are also told, "Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work" (Exodus 20:9).  The Lord counsels us not to labor more than we have strength for (D&C 10:4: "Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means provided to enable you to translate; but be diligent unto the end."). 

A Latter-day prophet has told us that people "should learn to keep their bodies healthy by right living, ...by inhaling pure air, taking plenty of exercise, and bathing... often in fresh water"  (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, P 124). 

Discussion

What do work, cleanliness, rest, and exercise have to do with the Lord's law of health?'



Concept 5: Blessings for Living the Lord's Law of Health

'Our Heavenly Father has given us health laws to teach us how to care for our bodies.  The Scriptures  tell us about God's laws.  "No temporal commandment gave I,... for my commandments are spiritual" (D&C 29:35).  This means that his commandments concerning our physical state are for our spiritual good. 

When we keep the Lord's law of health and obey his other commandments, the Lord promises to bless us physically and spiritually.

Physically we have been promised good health.  As a result of this good health we "shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not be faint." (D&C 89:20).  This is a great blessing, but the spiritual blessings he has promised us are even grater than the physical ones.

The Lord promises us that we "shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures." (D&C 89:19).  We will be taught important truths by the Holy Ghost through revelation.  The Lord also promises that the destroying angel shall pass us by.  Elder Spencer W. Kimball said that in our time this means we will be saved from spiritual death:  "For observing the Word of Wisdom the reward is life, not only prolonged mortal life but life eternal"  (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 211).

Discussion

What eternal blessings come to us from living the Word of Wisdom?
Think if ways that you can better obey the Word of Wisdom and overcome any problems you might have.

Additional Scriptures 

Judges 13:13-14; Proverbs 20:1;  Isaiah 5:11-12;  Daniel 1 (avoid strong drink)

Judges 13:13-14
  13 And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware. 
  14 She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe. 

Proverbs 20:1  Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. 

Isaiah 5:11-12
11  Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! 
  12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands. 


Daniel 1  <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/dan/1>
Daniel and certain Hebrews are trained in the court of Nebuchadnezzar They eat plain food and drink no wine God gives them knowledge and wisdom beyond all others. 


D&C 59:16-20 (things of the earth for the benefit of man)
  16 Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the fulness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth; 
  17 Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards; 
  18 Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; 
  19 Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. 
  20 And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion. 


Proverbs 23:20-21 (warning against drunkenness, gluttony, laziness)'
 20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: 
 21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. 



-----------------
Moroni 10:4-5
"4. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. 
5. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

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