Because our physical condition affects us spiritually, our Heavenly Father gives us commandments designed to improve our physical and spiritual health. As part of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, God revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith how we can care for our bodies so the Spirit of the Lord may be with us. This revelation is known as the Word of Wisdom. Obedience to this commandment is a requirement for baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Great blessings are promised to those who show their faith by obeying this commandment.

What Is the Word of Wisdom?

For your spiritual and physical benefit, the Lord asks you to abstain from:

• Alcohol.

• Tobacco.

• Coffee and tea.

• Illegal drugs.

• Other harmful or addictive substances

The Lord revealed the Word of Wisdom to the Prophet Joseph Smith. In this revelation we are warned to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and hot drinks, meaning coffee and tea. Later prophets have taught that we should not use any substance that contains illegal drugs or harmful and addictive substances. The Word of Wisdom also teaches that we should eat meat sparingly and that we should eat grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Blessings of the Word of Wisdom

Keeping the Word of Wisdom will improve your physical and spiritual well-being. Although you are still subject to normal health challenges, obedience to this commandment will help you have a healthier body and mind.

In the New Testament the Apostle Paul refers to the body as a temple: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Corinthians 3:16–17).

As you keep the Word of Wisdom, the delicate, sensitive, spiritual part of your nature will be prepared to receive guidance from God. Learn to listen to spiritual promptings and feelings. You will be warned of dangers and will be guided by the Holy Ghost. Your wisdom and knowledge will increase. You will have greater peace of mind, increased self-control, and a confident attitude toward life and the future.

A Word of Wisdom

This revelation, received by the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1833, is direction from our Heavenly Father to His children today. Following are excerpts from this revelation, which can be found in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 89:

“A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the . . . church, and also the saints in Zion . . .

“Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints. . . .

“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 . . . forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—

“That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good. . . .

“And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man. . . .

“And again, hot drinks [tea and coffee] are not for the body or belly.

“. . . All wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man. . . .

“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. . . .

“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. . . .

“And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings . . . 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”

Doctrine and Covenants 89:1, 3–5, 8–10, 12, 16, 18–21

Giving Up Harmful Substances

If you use tobacco, alcohol, coffee, tea, illegal drugs, or other harmful and addictive substances, stop now. You will be blessed with a healthier body and spirit. Some people have developed habits or addictions to substances that make it difficult to stop using them. If you have difficulty giving up these habit-forming substances, ask God in prayer to help you replace harmful thoughts, activities, and temptations with uplifting, wholesome influences. As you fill your life with what is positive and uplifting, there will be less room for what is harmful and negative. The following suggestions will help you:

Keep trying! As you apply the Atonement in your life, the Lord will help you, even if your progress seems slow.

• Resolve to quit. Pray and fast with confidence that the Lord will help you overcome your addiction.

• Study the scriptures. Memorize passages and recite them frequently. They will bring you spiritual power.

• Ask for a priesthood blessing to help you resist temptation.

• Dispose of harmful substances, and do not get more.

• List the times, places, and situations in which you are tempted to violate the Word of Wisdom. Talk to your parents, your spouse, the missionaries, and other trusted friends about how you can avoid the things on your list. For example, find new pastimes or hobbies in which you will not be tempted. Listen to uplifting music, serve others, read wholesome books, or exercise when you are tempted.

• Participate in Church activities. You will grow closer to the Lord and have increased strength to overcome your desires for harmful substances.

• Attend an appropriate support group or obtain professional help.

• Never forget that the Lord will help you as you rely on Him. Giving up these substances can be very difficult, and some people may relapse into old habits more than once before they quit entirely. Keep trying, and never lose hope.

By being humble and honest and calling upon God and others for help, you can overcome your addictions through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

As you live the Word of Wisdom, the blessings promised by the Lord will be yours.

Additional Study

The following questions and scriptures will help you learn more about the principles in this pamphlet. Footnotes and cross-references in the scriptures will refer you to additional passages and resources about these principles.

Why must I be careful about what goes into my body?

Proverbs 20:1 (Bible, Old Testament)

1 Corinthians 3:16–17 (Bible, New Testament)

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (Bible, New Testament)

Doctrine and Covenants 89 (The missionaries or a member of the Church can help you obtain a copy of the Doctrine and Covenants. You can also go to www.mormon.org to find it online.)

“Word of Wisdom,” True to the Faith (The missionaries or a member of the Church can help you obtain a copy of this book. You can also find it online at www.mormon.org.)

What spiritual and temporal blessings can come from obeying God’s commandments for my health?

Daniel 1:3–20 (Bible, Old Testament)

How will the Lord strengthen me when I am tempted?

Mosiah 5:2 (Book of Mormon, page 157)

Mosiah 7:33 (Book of Mormon, page 162)

Alma 13:27–29 (Book of Mormon, page 243)

Ether 12:27 (Book of Mormon, page 510)

What Should I Do?

• Continue reading the Book of Mormon.

• Live the Word of Wisdom. Pray for help in keeping this commandment. Set goals to improve your physical and spiritual health by avoiding harmful substances and by focusing on proper diet and other healthy practices.

• Attend church this Sunday.

• Continue to prepare for baptism.

• Visit www.mormon.org to learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

• Continue meeting with the missionaries to learn more about how the commandments of God can bless your life.

Image Credits

Front cover by Steve Bunderson. © Steve Bunderson

Image 1: Detail from Brother Joseph, by David Lindsley. © David Lindsley

Image 2 by Michael Schoenfeld

Image 4 by Rafael Luis Blanski de Menezes

© 2007 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. English approval: 11/05