The Word of Wisdom is the common name of Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants of the Latter Day Saint movement (Mormonism). It was dictated by Joseph Smith, Jr. in 1833 as a revelation from God which contains health guidelines intended "[t]o be sent [to the church] not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom." The guidelines were given as a voluntary "principle with [a] promise", in order to combat the perceived "evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days".

The health guidelines are particularly important to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has adapted the guidelines as a mandatory code. The Word of Wisdom' is now a prerequisite for baptism or entry into Mormon temples. See Word of Wisdom (Latter-day Saint).

Content of the revelation

The revelation, which is found in LDS D&C 89, contains three parts: (1) a list of substances such as alcohol and tobacco that should not be used, (2) a list of foods that should be used, sometimes with certain limitations, and (3) a promise to those who follow the guidelines.

Among the substances which the revelation indicates should not be used, the first is "wine or strong drink", which the revelation says should not be drunk, except as part of the Sacrament (like Communion). The revelation gave the further precaution that if wine is used, it should be pure, and made in Mormon wineries. The revelation also advised against the use of tobacco and "hot drinks" (which was immediately interpreted by Joseph Smith and his associates as meaning coffee and tea).

The list of foods and substances which the revelation encourages includes "wholesome herbs", "fruit", and meat, however meat was to be eaten sparingly, and ideally only in winter, famine, or "excess hunger". (Though see D&C 49:18-19 that says that whoever advocates abstaining from meat is not of God.)

The revelation also encouraged the use of grains, particularly wheat. Barley was also encouraged for use in making "mild drinks" (such as beer, which is now discouraged by most Latter Day saint organizations).

The promise for following the health guidelines

The word of wisdom was a "principle with [a] promise". The promise given to those who followed the advice of the word of wisdom was as follows:

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; 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.[1]

See also

• Dietary law
• Text of the Word of Wisdom