Word of Wisdom

The “Word of Wisdom” 

is a revelation received by the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1833 and recorded ‘in section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants. It is a law of health revealed by the Lord for the physical and spiritual benefit of His children. It is a tool we can study and apply in our individual circumstances to learn from and overcome personal physical challenges.

It includes

• prudent counsel on foods that provide healthy nutrition
• emphasis on moderation, which can help prevent obesity and eating disorders.
• counsel on substances that are not good for the human body.

Along side the Word of Wisdom is the counsel of latter-day prophets. An effective summary of counsel on physical and emotional health from the First Presidency of the LDS Church is found in FOR THE STRENGTH OF YOUTH,  a booklet prepared for Latter-Day Saint youth, but applicable to all members of the Church. The link for this topic not only takes you to the content on physical and emotional health in the booklet; it also takes you to the youth section of the LDS Church’s website with a multitude of other helpful links.

ENERGY DRINKS? Check out “The Energy Drink Epidemic”  that appeared in the Ensign a few years back. It does an excellent job of chronicling and documenting the rise and effects of caffeine abuse.

As with all commandments, the Word of Wisdom contains promised blessings for those who follow the counsel.

“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“ (Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-21).