SECTION
86
[Kirtland
D&C 80, LDS D&C 89]
This
revelation, now known as the Word of Wisdom, was given through Joseph
Smith, Jr., to a conference of high priests assembled at Kirtland,
Ohio, February 27, 1833. It was described as “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. 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. 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.”
1a.
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,
1b.
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.
1c.
And behold, this should be wine; yea, pure wine of the grape of the
vine, of your own make. And again, strong drinks are not for the
belly, but for the washing of your bodies.
1d.
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.
1e.
And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.
2a.
And again, verily I say unto you, All wholesome herbs God hath
ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man, every herb in
the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof. All these
to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
2b.
Yea, flesh also, of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord,
hath ordained for the use of man, with thanksgiving. Nevertheless,
they are to be used sparingly; and it is pleasing unto me that they
should not be used only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.
2c.
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; and these hath God made for the use of man only in times of
famine and excess of hunger.
3a.
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.
3b.
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 and
also other grain.
3c.
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;
3d.
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.
