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Word of Wisdom


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Word of Wisdom

Overview

God has revealed the Word of Wisdom as a commandment for the physical and spiritual benefit of His children.

The Prophet Joseph Smith received this revelation on February 27, 1833, and it is now recorded in section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants. In the revelation, the Lord teaches healthy practices. He also prohibits some substances that are not good for the human body.

In the Word of Wisdom, the Lord declared that the following foods are good:

The Lord revealed in the Word of Wisdom that the following substances are harmful:

The Lord promises increased health, wisdom, knowledge, and protection to those who obey the Word of Wisdom (see Doctrine and Covenants 89:18–21).

Since its introduction, prophets have taught about the importance of following the Word of Wisdom. In addition, they have taught Church members to avoid substances that impair judgment or are harmful or highly addictive, whether legal or illegal. For example, vaping, the misuse of prescription drugs, and the recreational use of marijuana violate Church teachings (see General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [2020], 38.7.8; “Statement on the Word of Wisdom,” Aug. 15, 2019, newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Prophets have taught that we should also follow healthy practices such as nutritious eating, regular exercise, proper hygiene, and getting sufficient rest.

Related Topics

Scriptures

Scripture References

Scripture Study Resources

Messages from Church Leaders

Leader Messages

Additional Messages

Media

Videos

“Word of Wisdom”

“The Word of Wisdom (February 1833)”

“A Brand New Year: Physical Health”

Audio

The Word of Wisdom,” Why I Believe, episode 14

The Word of Wisdom (February 1833),” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, episode 32

The Word of Wisdom,” Scripture Stories—Doctrine and Covenants Stories, episode 23

Word of Wisdom—Doctrine and Covenants,” The Joseph Smith Papers, episode 30

Music

Learning Resources

General Resources

Addiction Recovery Program, Family Services

Self Reliance: Health: The Spiritual Journey to Good Health,” Inspiration Channel

Church Magazines

Peter L. Howell, “Emotion and Addiction,” Ensign, October 2016

The Lord Has Given Us a Law of Health,” Ensign or Liahona, February 2012

Truman E. Benson, “He Told Me, ‘No Way,’Liahona, July 2010

Lia McClanahan, “Addiction Recovery: Healing One Step at a Time,” Ensign or Liahona, June 2009

Run and Not Be Weary,” Ensign or Liahona, June 2009

Melanie Marks, “The Hot Chocolate Mishap,” Liahona, December 2007

Lehi L. Cruz, “The Night of the Test,” Liahona, September 2007

Julie Wardell, “Good Choices,” Liahona, October 2005

Vicki F. Matsumori, “Sharing Time: ‘Ye Are the Temple of God,’Liahona, May 2002

Study Manuals

In the News

Health Practices,” Newsroom

Teachings of Presidents of the Church

Stories

Teaching Resources

Teaching Outlines

Stories and Activities for Teaching Children

Word of Wisdom,” Lesson Helps for Teaching Children