The Word of Wisdom, a bulwark against evil
by Elder Boyd K. Packer
Doctrine and Covenants Section 89
. Our people have protections. The revelation received by the Prophet Joseph Smith on February 27, 1833, known as the Word of Wisdom, has been a bulwark and a protection to Latter-day Saints from that time to this. In our day it suddenly looms higher in importance. The introduction to the revelation includes the following: “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 forewarned you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation…” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:4)
. However much the Word of Wisdom has protected us over the years from the degrading influences of drunkenness, alcoholism, and the use of tobacco, it now stands as a protection against evil and designs which are a greater threat. Although there was no extensive scientific information to support the Word of Wisdom when it was given, that has come as the years have unfolded. And, now we find that adherence to the counsel contained in the Word of Wisdom is a shield before our youth, protecting them from the frightening invasion of narcotics.
. Young people who keep the Word of Wisdom are not ordinarily likely to indulge, even experimentally, with drugs. If there are strong family ties and a warm family homelife, the likelihood of their addiction is more remote than ever. Parents and ward priesthood and auxiliary leaders, particularly those who deal directly with youth, would do well to emphasize the Word of Wisdom. It is a shield and a protection to our young people against narcotics also.
. Young Latter-day Saints are taught that our body is a sacred possession. It is the instrument of our mind and the foundation of our character. We should take nothing into our bodies that would harm the organs thereof, or that would tamper with the delicate processes of thinking and feeling. There needs to be a vigorous re-emphasis of this among the youth of the Church. The physical body is a priceless treasure. It should not be degraded by subjecting it to the influence of tobacco, nor alcohol in any form, nor, even more dangerous than either of these, the slavery that comes through drug addiction.
. Latter-day Saints may well count their blessings when they consider the instruction which the Lord has given through his servants regarding our well-being in difficult and dangerous times. The warning has come. Evils and designs will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in these days. Latter-day Saints can provide a certain immunity for themselves by following the counsel of the leadership of the Church.
Presented in the Church News, page 4, March 6, 1971
Click here to return to the Basic Information index
Click here to return to the Main Menu