Word of Wisdom

The Word of Wisdom is a law of health revealed by the
Lord for our physical and spiritual benefit. In this revelation,
which is recorded in section 89 of the Doctrine and
Covenants, the Lord tells us which foods are good for us to
eat and which substances are not good for our bodies. He
promises spiritual and physical blessings for obeying the
Word of Wisdom.
In the Word of Wisdom, the Lord commands us not to
take the following substances into our bodies:
• Alcoholic drinks (see D&C 89:5–7).
• Tobacco (see D&C 89:8).
• Tea and coffee (see D&C 89:9; latter-day prophets
have taught that the term “hot drinks” refers to tea
and coffee).
Anything harmful that people purposefully take into
their bodies is not in harmony with the Word of Wisdom.
This is especially true of illegal drugs, which can destroy those
who become addicted to them. Stay entirely away from them.
Do not experiment with them. The abuse of prescription
drugs also leads to destructive addiction.
The Lord declares that the following foods are good for
our bodies:
• Vegetables and fruits, which should be used “with
prudence and thanksgiving” (see D&C 89:10–11).
• The flesh “of beasts and of the fowls of the air,” which
is “to be used sparingly” (see D&C 89:12–13).
• Grains such as wheat, rice, and oats, which are “the
staff of life” (see D&C 89:14–17).
Blessings from Keeping the Word of Wisdom
To those who keep the Word of Wisdom, the Lord
promises:
“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;
“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” (D&C 89:18–21).
Overcoming Addiction
The best course is to completely avoid the substances
that the Lord prohibits in the Word of Wisdom. But if you
have become addicted to any of these substances, you can
become free from your addiction. You can overcome addiction
through personal effort, the enabling power of the
Lord’s grace, help from family members and friends, and
guidance from Church leaders.
Pray for help, and do all in your power to resist temptations
that come because of addiction. Your Heavenly Father
wants you to receive the blessings that come from keeping the
Word of Wisdom, and He will strengthen you in your sincere
efforts to do so.
Additional references: D&C 49:19–21; 59:15–20; 88:124; 89:1–4
See also Obedience; Temptation