The Word of Wisdom: Path to a Healthy Body and Mind

Our bodies and minds are an integrated whole; we are supposed to remain physically and spiritually healthy. To achieve this all important goal God made a basic law to guide his children. This law is called the Word of Wisdom. It was revealed to the prophet Joseph Smith.

The law counsels us to avoid the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and hot drinks, notably tea and coffee.

In the book of D&C 89:5 the word of God says, “That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good…

89:7 “And again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.”

89:8 “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,”

89:9 “And again hot drinks are not for the body or belly.”

89:10 “ And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man.”

89:12 “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.”

As indicated in the scriptures, alcohol is not good for the stomach because of the harm it can cause this organ and others such as the liver.

Alcohol can make one lose his sense of judgment, impair vision, distort correct reasoning and lead to crime and possible self- destruction.

Commenting on the dangers of alcohol consumption, J Reuben Clark Jr noted, “Drink brings cruelty into the home; it walks arm in arm with poverty; its companions are disease and plague; it puts chastity to flight; and it knows neither honesty nor fair dealing; it is a total stranger to truth; it drowns conscience; it is the bodyguard of evil; it curses all who touch it.

“Drink has brought more woe and misery, broken more hearts, wrecked more homes, committed more crimes, filled more coffins than all the wars the world has suffered.”

Alcohol consumption is on the ascendancy in today’s world. In our communities, alcohol is freely shared during funerals, weddings, naming ceremonies and other social gatherings. The youth must resist the temptation to drink alcohol because of the above-mentioned effects and the danger of being hooked to it.

Alcohol has medical benefits. It is used as a cleaning agent for wounds and abrasions. It can be used to clean body parts prior to surgery.

Tobacco is not good for the body. It is deleterious to health; it causes lung cancer. Nicotine in large quantities can destabilize your nervous system and lead to convulsive seizures. It is believed that smoke from cigarette smokers can adversely affect the health of nonsmokers around. Smoking can predispose you to stroke attacks.

Tobacco, like alcohol, has medicinal uses. A tobacco poultice applied with skill to cuts and wounds of animals can promote healing.

Alcohol and tobacco are addict forming substances and must be avoided at all cost.

The Word of Wisdom counsels us to not take hot drinks as they are neither good for the body or belly. Hot drinks are in reference to tea and coffee and any drinks containing stimulants must be avoided.

To help us maintain good health, we are encouraged to consume wholesome herbs, ie vegetables and plants that nourish the body and mind.

Flesh of birds and animals can also be eaten. This should be done sparingly. Eating too much meat can create health problems. Gout is one health condition that has been linked to eating too much meat.

All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts. It is also to serve as food for birds.

The Word of Wisdom has been given a wider meaning by latter day prophets. Prophet Ezra T. Benson said, “When we first heard the revelation upon the Word of Wisdom many of us thought it consisted merely in our drinking tea and coffee, but it is not only using tea and coffee and our tobacco and whisky, but it is every other evil which is calculated to contaminate this people. The Word of Wisdom implies to cease from adultery, to cease from all manner of excesses, and from all kinds of wickedness and abomination that are common amongst this generation- it is strictly speaking, keeping the commandments of God, and living by every word that proceedeth from His mouth.”

Obedience to the Word of Wisdom brings with it several benefits. Your spiritual power is greatly enhanced. You also achieve health and vitality.

It also positions you to receive wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures. It is also a tool for life preservation and longevity.

If we live the Word of Wisdom, we keep ourselves pure before the Lord, who can pour out his blessings upon us in this world and after. You will have the privilege to live with the eternal Father in the celestial kingdom. Strict adherence to the Word of Wisdom is the path to a healthier body and mind, great spiritual blessings and fullness of joy in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

Yours in inspiration,
Abundant Robert AWOLUGUTU
Correction Officer, Priest & Author.
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 0208455296