D&C 89

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 89

Received February 27, 1833, in Kirtland, Ohio. Known as the Word of Wisdom, this revelation was given in the context of the School of the Prophets, where many elders smoked tobacco and chewed during meetings. Emma Smith complained about the filthy conditions, prompting Joseph to inquire of the Lord. The result was a health code far ahead of its time, prohibiting tobacco, strong drinks, and hot drinks while encouraging grain, herbs, fruits, and sparing use of meat. It was initially given 'not by commandment' but later became binding.

Scripture

A Word of Wisdom for the Temporal Salvation of Saints

Study note

The revelation is introduced as adapted to the weakest of Saints. It is given as a principle with promise, designed for the temporal salvation and health of the covenant people.

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—

Substances to Avoid

Study note

Wine, strong drink, tobacco, and hot drinks are specifically prohibited. Wine may be used for the sacrament only if pure and of one's own making. Tobacco is for bruises and sick cattle, not for human consumption.

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.

Wholesome Foods Ordained for Use

Study note

Herbs, fruits, grains (especially wheat), and meat sparingly are ordained for human use. Each food is noted as having its proper season and purpose. Grain is identified as the staff of life.

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.

The Promised Blessings

Study note

Those who keep this law are promised health, wisdom, knowledge, and the ability to run and not be weary. The destroying angel shall pass by them, a clear echo of the Passover promise.

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.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 89

Divine health code ahead of its timeProhibition of tobacco alcohol and hot drinksWholesome foods and the staff of lifePromise of health wisdom and protectionThe destroying angel passing by the obedientTemporal law with spiritual consequences

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 89 18-21 Exodus 12:13

The promise that the destroying angel shall pass by the faithful directly echoes the Passover, where the blood of the lamb marked those whom the destroyer would spare.

D&C 89 1-4 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

The principle that our bodies are given by God and should be cared for reflects Paul's teaching that the body is a temple of the Holy Ghost and should be honored.

D&C 89 10-17 Genesis 1:29

The ordaining of herbs, fruits, and grains for human use echoes God's original dietary provision in Eden, where every herb and fruit-bearing tree was given for food.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 89

Given nearly two centuries ago, the Word of Wisdom anticipated modern medical science's understanding of the harms of tobacco and alcohol by generations. This revelation treats the body as sacred—a temple to be honored through what we consume. The promise of health, wisdom, and the destroying angel passing by makes this more than dietary advice; it is a covenant with profound spiritual protection attached. In a world obsessed with diet trends, the Word of Wisdom offers timeless simplicity: eat wholesome foods, avoid harmful substances, and trust that the God who created your body knows how to fuel it best.

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