Doctrine and Covenants Section 89

Historical Background

The priesthood leaders of the Church gathered together in the School of the Prophets, as commanded by Section 88. On the 27th of February, 1833, during one of the meetings that took place on the upper level of the Newel K. Whitney store in Kirtland, the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom was received. Brigham Young spoke about the circumstances that led to the revelation. “When they assembled together in this room after breakfast, the first they did was to light their pipes, and, while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom, and spit all over the room, and as soon as the pipe was out of their mouths a large chew of tobacco would then be taken. Often when the Prophet entered the room to give the school instructions he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean so filthy a floor, made the Prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the Elders in using tobacco, and the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom was the result” (Journal of Discourses, 12:158).

The restrictions presented in this revelation were not observed by early members of the Church for many years. Gradually, over time, the members were encouraged. The first connection between obedience to the Word of Wisdom and temple recommends occurred in 1902, but priesthood leaders were encouraged to be liberal in their interpretation of the commandment. Finally, in 1921, President Heber J. Grant made absolute adherence to the Word of Wisdom a condition for receiving a temple recommend. That interpretation of the policy has been in force since that time.

D&C 89:1-3 Greetings

Who is the revelation addressed to? Who does the Lord say can live according to its priniciples?

D&C 89:4 Evils and Designs

Why did the Lord give this revelation to the Church?

D&C 89:5-9 Prohibitions

What did the Lord reveal about wine, strong drinks, tobacco, and “hot drinks”? Church leaders placed emphasis on the Word of Wisdom, but did not use water as part of the sacrament until 1912. Cross-reference: D&C 27:2. In the Church Handbook of Instructions we read, “The only official interpretation of “hot drinks” (D&C 89:9) in the Word of Wisdom is the statement made by early Church leaders that the term “hot drinks” means tea and coffee. Members should not use any substance that contains illegal drugs. Nor should members use harmful or habit-forming substances except under the care of a competent physician” (page 185).

D&C 89:10-17 Herbs, Animal Flesh, Grains

What does the Lord say about herbs, “flesh of beasts,” and grains? When should they be used? When should we abstain from using them? Remember that for temple recommend purposes, obedience to the Word of Wisdom pertains only to coffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco, and harmful, illegal substances.

D&C 89:18-21 The Promise

What are the promises given by the Lord to those who “keep and do these sayings” (obey the Word of Wisdom), “walking in obedience to the commandments” (keeping the commandments God has given his children, in addition to the Word of Wisdom)? Cross-reference: Exodus 12:21-30.