D&C Section 89

[1] President Joseph F. Smith, Oct. 4, 1908 "Here we are informed that it was not given, at that time, by way of commandment or restraint but by revelation, 'a word of wisdom showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days.' Subsequently, years afterwards, from this stand, it was proclaimed from the mouth of the Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young, that the time had come when this Word of Wisdom-then given not by commandment or constraint was now a commandment of the Lord to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Lord required them to observe this Word of Wisdom and counsel, which is the will of God unto the people for their temporal salvation."

[2] D&C 1:38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

[3] D&C 29:34-5 Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created. Behold, I gave unto him that he should be an agent unto himself; and I gave unto him commandment, but no temporal commandment gave I unto him, for my commandments are spiritual; they are not natural nor temporal, neither carnal nor sensual.

[4] D&C 130:20-21 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated-- And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

[5] D&C 1:19-20 The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh-- But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;

[6] Ether 12:27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

[7] D&C 1:14-20 And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people; For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant; They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall. Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments; And also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets-- The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh-- But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;

[8] President Joseph F. Smith, Oct. 4, 1908 This revelation was also given as a warning to the saints against the evils which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, and the Lord warned and had forewarned the saints that they might protect themselves against these wicked designs. In 1830 the first warning was given, when the Lord commanded that no wine should be purchased from the enemies of the people for use of the sacrament. We, today, have before us abundant evidence of the evils and designs of wicked men. It is seen in the advertising of tobacco, tea, coffee, liquors, and beers and wines. It is also seen in the advertising of prepared foods.

[9] D&C 38:27-31 Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine. And again, I say unto you that the enemy in the secret chambers seeketh your lives. Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land. I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear. And that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless—

[10] Ether 8:18-25 And it came to pass that they formed a secret combination, even as they of old; which combination is most abominable and wicked above all, in the sight of God; And now I, Moroni, do not write the manner of their oaths and combinations, for it hath been made known unto me that they are had among all people, and they are had among the Lamanites. And they have caused the destruction of this people of whom I am now speaking, and also the destruction of the people of Nephi. And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed; for the Lord will not suffer that the blood of his saints, which shall be shed by them, shall always cry unto him from the ground for vengeance upon them and yet he avenge them not.

Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain--and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.

Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up. For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning.

[11] D&C 1:35 For I am no respecter of persons, and will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion.

[12] President Ezra Taft Benson, “The Power of the Word,” Ensign, May 1986, 79 We live in a day of great challenge. We live in that time of which the Lord spoke when he said, “Peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion.” (D&C 1:35.) We live in that day which John the Revelator foresaw when “the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 12:17.) The dragon is Satan; the woman represents the Church of Jesus Christ. Satan is waging war against the members of the Church who have testimonies and are trying to keep the commandments. And while many of our members are remaining faithful and strong, some are wavering. Some are falling. Some are fulfilling John’s prophecy that in the war with Satan, some Saints would be overcome. (See Rev. 13:7.)

[13] “forewarn” – To warn in advance.

[14] President Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference, October 1988

I testify that wickedness is rapidly expanding in every segment of our society. (See D&C 1:14–16; D&C 84:49–53.) It is more highly organized, more cleverly disguised, and more powerfully promoted than ever before. Secret combinations lusting for power, gain, and glory are flourishing. A secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries is increasing its evil influence and control over America and the entire world. (See Ether 8:18–25.)

I testify that the church and kingdom of God is increasing in strength. Its numbers are growing, as is the faithfulness of its faithful members. It has never been better organized or equipped to perform its divine mission.

I testify that as the forces of evil increase under Lucifer’s leadership and as the forces of good increase under the leadership of Jesus Christ, there will be growing battles between the two until the final confrontation. As the issues become clearer and more obvious, all mankind will eventually be required to align themselves either for the kingdom of God or for the kingdom of the devil. As these conflicts rage, either secretly or openly, the righteous will be tested. God’s wrath will soon shake the nations of the earth and will be poured out on the wicked without measure. (See JS—H 1:45; D&C 1:9.) But God will provide strength for the righteous and the means of escape; and eventually and finally truth will triumph. (See 1 Ne. 22:15–23.)

I testify that it is time for every man to set in order his own house both temporally and spiritually. It is time for the unbeliever to learn for himself that this work is true, that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom which Daniel prophesied God would set up in the latter days, never to be destroyed, a stone that would eventually fill the whole earth and stand forever. (See Dan. 2:34–45; D&C 65:2.) It is time for us, as members of the Church, to walk in all the ways of the Lord, to use our influence to make popular that which is sound and to make unpopular that which is unsound. We have the scriptures, the prophets, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Now we need eyes that will see, ears that will hear, and hearts that will hearken to God’s direction.

I testify that not many years hence the earth will be cleansed. (See D&C 76:41.) Jesus the Christ will come again, this time in power and great glory to vanquish His foes and to rule and reign on the earth. (See D&C 43:26–33.) In due time all men will gain a resurrection and then will face the Master in a final judgment. (See 2 Ne. 9:15, 41.) God will give rewards to each according to the deeds done in the flesh. (See Alma 5:15.)

[15] D&C 27:2-4 For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory--remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins. Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, that you shall not purchase wine neither strong drink of your enemies; Wherefore, you shall partake of none except it is made new among you; yea, in this my Father's kingdom which shall be built up on the earth.

[16] Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation:Being a Course of Study For The Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums For The Years 1947-1950, 123 Early in the month of August, 1830, Newel Knight and his wife, who had recently been baptized, called at the home of Joseph Smith in Harmony, Pennsylvania. Neither the wife of Newel Knight nor Emma Smith had been confirmed and it was proposed that this should be done, after which the little group would partake of the Sacrament. In order to do so the Prophet set out to procure some wine, and on his way was met by an angel who gave to him the revelation known as Section 27, the first four paragraphs of which were written at the time and the remainder in September following. This heavenly messenger told Joseph Smith that it mattered not what should be used for the Sacrament, and he was not to purchase wine or strong drink from his enemies. The reason for this is obvious, for the Prophet had many enemies. However, this reason went farther than merely protection against his enemies, for it was a caution against evil and designing persons who would adulterate these things. (See Word of Wisdom, Sec. 89) Joseph Smith was also told that wine should not be used for the sacrament unless it was made by the Saints and should be had new among them. While the Church did not adopt the custom of using water exclusively in the sacrament at that early time, yet it was from this time that water was used as a substitute for wine, which had been used principally because of its resemblance to blood. Today throughout the Church water is used in the Sacrament in remembrance of the blood of Jesus Christ which was shed for the remission of sins in behalf of all who repent and accept the Gospel.

[17] Doctrine & Covenants Commentary, Smith and Sjodahl, 572 "The use of 'pure wine' in the Sacrament is permitted. But what is 'pure wine' if not the pure juice of the grape, before it has been adulterated by the process of fermentation? No fewer than thirteen Hebrew and Greek terms are rendered in our Bible by the word 'wine.' There is the pure grape juice, and a kind of grape syrup, the thickness of which made it necessary to mingle water with it previously to drinking (Prov. 9:2, 5). There was a wine made strong and inebriating by the addition of drugs, such as myrrh, mandragora, and opiates (Prov. 23:30; Isa. 5:22). Of the pure wine which was diluted with water, or milk, Wisdom invites her friends to drink freely (Prov. 9:2, 5). There was also 'wine on the lees,' which is supposed to have been 'preserves' or 'jellies' (Isa. 25:6). The 'pure wine' is not an intoxicating, but a harmless liquid."

[18] Hyrum Smith, Times and Seasons, Vol. III., p. 799 "The Lord has told us that 'strong drinks are not good.' Who is it that will say they are, when the Lord says they are not? To the man who says, 'I know that it did me good, for I was fatigued, and feeble, on a certain occasion, and it revived me, and I was invigorated, and that is sufficient proof for me,' I reply, It may be for you, but it would not be for a wise man, for every spirit of this kind will only produce a greater languor when its effects cease to operate upon the human body. But you know that you are benefited. Yes, so does the man who has mortgaged his property, know that he is relieved from his present embarrassments; but his temporary relief only binds the cords of bondage more severely around him. The Lord has not ordained strong drinks for the belly, 'but for the washing of your bodies'"

[19] Church News, 05/25/96 When the Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom (D&C 89) in 1833, he was told, among other things: “And again, tobacco is not . . . good for man.” What the Prophet was told 163 years ago may not have been common knowledge back then, but that certainly is not the case now. There is considerable medical evidence today that tobacco is harmful and we should leave it alone. … When the Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith that tobacco is not good for man, He didn’t offer any explanation, any reason why. Just a simple, direct statement. But why should the Lord have to explain His commands? Is it not reason enough that it came from an all-wise and all-knowing Creator for our benefit?

[20] Alvin K. Benson, Joseph Smith: The Prophet, The Man The Word of Wisdom does endorse the use of alcohol and tobacco for some external medical purposes. The external use of alcohol is common for disinfecting the skin before operations and needle punctures. Also, tobacco "is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill" (D&C 89:8).[p.157] In 1982, Dr. Rulon S. Francis of the Human Performance Research Center at Brigham Young University said that his research indicated that bruises treated with tobacco juice heal 20 percent faster than untreated bruises. He was prompted to investigate the healing effects of tobacco after BYU athletic trainer, Marvin Roberson, returned from the 1971 Balkan games in Yugoslavia with stories about trainers spraying a commercially manufactured tobacco spray on basketball players' bruises. The healing may be produced by one of the alkaloids found in tobacco (Francis).

[21] Doctrine and Covenants Commentary, 573 Hot drinks are not for the body] "Hot drinks" means tea and coffee, as those two beverages were the only ones in common use among the members of the Church, and drunk at a high temperature, at the time when the Revelation was given. The reason why those beverages were condemned was because they contained a habit-forming drug, rather than because of the temperature at which they were swallowed; although liquids taken into the stomach at too high a temperature, frequently and in large quantities, would be hurtful. But the chief objection to tea and coffee is the drug they contain. It follows logically that any other beverage which contains a hurtful drug or element, is open to the same objection, regardless of the temperature at which it is taken.

[22] Hyrum Smith, Times and Seasons, Vol. III., p. 799 "'Hot drinks are not for the body, or belly.' There are many who wonder what this can mean; whether it refers to tea or coffee, or not. I say it does refer to tea and coffee. Why is it that we are so dull and languid? It is because we break the Word of Wisdom. Disease preys upon our system, our understandings are darkened, and we do not comprehend the things of God. The devil takes advantage of us, and we fall into temptation. Not only are they injurious in their tendency, and baneful in their effects, but im-portation of foreign products might be the means of thousands of people being poisoned at a future time, through the advantage that an enemy might take of us, if we made use of these things that are thus spoken of as being evil; and be it remembered, that this instruction is given in consequence of evils that do exist in the hearts of conspiring men'".

[23] John A. Widtsoe, The Word of Wisdom: A Modern Interpretation, p.128 Definition of "Herbs". The word "herb" was frequently used a century ago to include plants and vegetables, direct products of the soil. The dictionary defines it to be: "a plant that dies completely, or down to the ground after flowering". Also, "an herbaceous plant used medicinally". As used in the Word of Wisdom it was undoubtedly meant to include all plants the use of which is good for man. The modifying words "all wholesome" indicate that all edible vegetables and fruits of earth are included in the term; they also indicate that some "herbs" are not fitted to be used as food.

[24] Alma 46:40 And there were some who died with fevers, which at some seasons of the year were very frequent in the land--but not so much so with fevers, because of the excellent qualities of the many plants and roots which God had prepared to remove the cause of diseases, to which men were subject by the nature of the climate--

[25] D&C 59:16-20 Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the fulness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth; Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards; Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion.

[26] Prudence, dictionary definition

1 : the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason

2 : sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs

3 : skill and good judgment in the use of resources

4 : caution or circumspection as to danger or risk.

[27] President Boyd K. Packer, April 1996 general conference Learn to use moderation and common sense in matters of health and nutrition, and particularly in medication. Avoid being extreme or fanatical or becoming a faddist. For example, the Word of Wisdom counsels us to eat meat sparingly. (See D&C 89:12.) Lest someone become extreme, we are told in another revelation that ‘whoso forbiddeth to eat meat is not ordained of God.’ (D&C 49:18.)

[28] Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine There is no prohibition in Section 89, for instance, as to the eating of white bread, using white flour, white sugar, cocoa, chocolate, eggs, milk, meat, or anything else, except items classified under the headings, tea, coffee, tobacco, and liquor. As a matter of fact those who command that men should not eat meat, are not ordained of God, such counsel being listed by Paul as an evidence of apostasy. God has created "meats," he says, "to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." (1 Tim. 4:3.) If some particular food or drink disagrees with an individual, then that person should act accordingly without reference to the prohibitions in this particular law of health.

[29] Genesis 9:1-4 And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them. Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, [which is] the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.

[30] Elder Bruce R. McConkie, DNTC, Elder Bruce R. McConkie has offered commentary on the term "purging all meats" Or, as per the marginal reading, "This he said, making all meats clean." In other words, Peter -- who received the divine command to eat meat which had been unclean according to Mosaic standards (Acts 10)-speaking through Mark, his scribe, is showing that Jesus here revealed that the old prohibitions as to eating certain meats was ended. (DNTC 1:369.)

[31] 1 Timothy 4:1-5 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

[32] (D&C 49:18, 19) And whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats, that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God; for behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance.

[33] “sparingly” – economical, lenient or merciful, scanty; limited.

[34] Elder Ezra Taft Benson, CR1983 also quoting Joseph Smith In this revelation the Lord counsels us to use meat sparingly [see D&C 89]. I have often felt that the Lord is further counseling us in this revelation against indiscriminately killing animals, for He has said elsewhere in scripture, "Wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath no need." [D&C 49:21]

[35] Harold B. Lee, Teachings of Harld B. Lee, p32 I remember a sister who came into my office from one of the foreign countries and she was working in our storehouse up in Logan. She came storming in to Brother Joseph F. Merrill and said, "Why, Brother Merrill, they are distributing pork from the bishop's storehouse up there where I have been working. And it is summertime." Brother Merrill very wisely said, "Go in and talk that over with Brother Lee." So she came into me and repeated it to me, I being at that tlme somewhere in the Welfare Program. I asked, "Why are you so much disturbed about that?"

"Why," she said, "the Lord said we should not eat pork or meat in the summertime."

I said, "Oh, where did He say that? I haven't read that."

"Why, in the Word of Wisdom."

I said, "Not in my D&C, it doesn't say that. Will you open the Doctrine and Covenants and read me what you have just said?"

Well, she tried to justify what she had said, I suggested that she read Section 49 of the D&C, and told her I was not sure what a famine was as mentioned in Section 89 of the D&C. We should eat meat sparingly, yes, the Lord counsels. But when you reach a hard and fast conclusion contrary to what the Lord said, be careful, be careful."

[36] CHURCH NEWS 05/04/96 While every age group has its own specific concerns regarding health and fitness, some general guidelines apply to everyone. The following questions and answers are based on a conversation with Dr. Garth Fisher, director of the Human Performance Research Center and professor of physical education at BYU.

What are some general principles of physical fitness and health that seem to apply to all ages?

Everyone is in charge of his or her own health. Years of poor habits and neglect take their toll later in life in the forms of coronary heart disease, cancer, diabetes, lung disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, stroke or osteoporosis.

“In terms of a preventive lifestyle, you ought to live all of your life as if you’re going to be 60 or older,” Dr. Fisher said. Such a lifestyle includes proper attention to nutrition, accident prevention, adequate rest and exercise. What constitutes proper nutrition?

Principles revealed by the Lord in Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants are substantiated by science and widely accepted nutritional research. The “Food Guide Pyramid” published in 1992 by the United States Department of Agriculture conforms to the Word of Wisdom. It places emphasis on bread, cereal, rice and pasta as the base of the pyramid. (D&C 89:14 says, “All grain is ordained for the use of man . . . to be the staff of life.”) Fruits and vegetables are the next level of the pyramid. (Verses 10 and 16 state that “wholesome herbs” and “that which yieldeth fruit” are for the “constitution, nature and use of man.”)

Higher on the pyramid are milk, yogurt and cheese, followed by meat, poultry and fish, indicating that these, while important, are to be limited, as stated in verse 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.”

At the very top of the pyramid are fats, oils and sweets, meaning their use should be restricted the most.

The National Cancer Institute recommends adults consume at least five servings a day of fruits and vegetables. The counsel in D&C 89:11 to use vegetables and fruits “in the season thereof” supports what scientists say: that vegetables and fruits yield the greatest nutritional value when consumed in a fresh, unprocessed state.

[37] D&C 90:14 “these” refers to “the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth” listed immediately before this verse, not the not “All grain…staff of life” which began the previous verse.

[38] Root vegetables, potatoes, carrots, turnips, onions, beets, sweet potatoes, yams, peanuts, soy beans.

[39] Fruits and vegetables above the ground.

[40] John A. Widtsoe, The Word of Wisdom: A Modern Interpretation, p.184 Wheat, Man's Staff of Life. It has already been shown that wheat is valuable as a food because it furnishes some protein (body building) and much starch or carbohydrate (fuel producing); also because it is a source of several necessary mineral elements, including calcium, iron and phosphorus; and especially because it contains vitamins B and E, indispensable to human health and happiness. While wheat may not be a complete food for man, it approaches that definition so nearly as to be in reality a "staff of life." The Word of Wisdom, after declaring that "all grain is good for man," adds "nevertheless, wheat for man." This implies clearly that wheat is to be preferred over other grains in the dietary of man; that it more nearly supplies the needs of the human body than other grains. This statement in the Word of Wisdom is supported by history. Wheat is the most ancient and most widely distributed of the grains. It has been used from times immemorial in all parts of the earth. Varieties of wheat are adapted for practically every condition of soil and climate. Wheat has always been held in the highest regard.

[41] Ibid, p.203 Corn for the Ox". One of the most enlightening experiments in this field was conducted at the State Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Wisconsin. Sixteen shorthorn heifer calves, six months old, were divided into four lots of four animals each. All were fed normal rations balanced according to approved standards. However, one lot was fed wholly with products of the corn plant--…; another with products of the wheat plant--…, the third with products of the oat plant, and the last with a ration made up one-third each of the corn, wheat and oat rations. The experiment was continued throughout four years. … The corn-fed cows gave most milk; the wheat-fed least. In one year the corn-fed group gave three times more milk than the wheat-fed animals. These apparently decisive experiments were then made more emphatic. After three years, the ration given the cows was changed. The wheat-fed cows, Which had done so poorly, were placed on a corn ration and soon became healthy and vigorous, looked better, and dropped normal calves at normal times. On the other hand, the vigorous corn-fed animals that were placed on the wheat ration declined in health, became afflicted with stiffness and swollen joints, and had to be returned to the corn ration. … Conclusion. The above experiment certainly shows that corn is the best food for cattle. In the words of the experimenters, the wheat-fed cattle were unable to perform normally and with vigor the physiological processes of life; but the corn-fed animals were strong, healthy, in splendid condition, and their calves were of great vigor. With this experiment in mind it seems indeed remarkable that Joseph Smith so many years before the birth of the science of nutrition, would declare "corn for the ox".

[42] ibid, p.224 Grain Drinks. Many people claim that since barley as a drink is mentioned in the Word of Wisdom it must refer to beer, for barley as malt is used therein. Certainly, that cannot be the meaning, for. when grain is fermented, alcohol is formed and alcohol is explicitly forbidden. How then may the reference be interpreted? Barley and other grains are often browned lightly in the oven and then ground and made as coffee, into a brown cereal drink. Dry crusts of bread are sometimes so used. Such drinks are permissible unless browned too much and taken in too large a quantity. The excessive heat required to brown any food--even toast--destroys all vitamins and if it is browned too much it tends to cause a deterioration in the starch and fiber of the grain. Therefore browned grain drinks must be used with discretion.

"Harvest drinks", those made from natural grains and wheat or rice bran, are very healthful because of their vitamins and may be made appetizing. They are usually made by pouring boiling water over the grains or bran, boiling a few minutes, and allowing the mixture to stand until cool. It may then be served with milk and brown sugar, or with the addition of lemon or other fruit juices, or spices or even hops and other herbs may be added to give flavor and to tone up the system. Such health drinks made from the extracts of barley, oatmeal, bran of wheat or rice, or even from the germinated barley or malt, are very healthful.

[43] Spencer W. Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness, p.210 In the march to perfection through the conquering of sin, it is important to have the right perspective. For example, some people get means and ends reversed. Many feel that the Word of Wisdom is for the principal purpose of increasing our health, increasing our mortal life, but a more careful study of the revelation reveals that there is a deeper purpose. … Here the commitments of the Lord were two-fold. First, he promised to such who obey that they shall "... receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones...," that as a consequence of good health physically they "shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint." This is a glorious promise. But the spiritual promises greatly exceed the physical. For those who observe these particular instructions and are obedient to all the Lord's commandments, the blessings really are increased and magnified. Such saints, he promises, shall be passed over by the angel of death and shall not be slain. This promise returns us to Exodus where we read that the Lord tested the faith of the children of Israel to see if they would follow the great Moses.

[44] President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Oct 1940 THE PROMISE - This does not say and this does not mean, that to keep the Word of Wisdom is to insure us against death, for death is, in the eternal plan, co-equal with birth. This is the eternal decree. But it does mean that the destroying angel, he who comes to punish the unrighteous for their sins, as he in olden time afflicted the corrupt Egyptians in their wickedness, shall pass by the Saints, who are "walking in obedience to the commandments," and who "remember to keep and do these sayings." These promises do mean that all those who qualify themselves to enjoy them will be permitted so to live out their lives that they may gain the full experiences and get the full knowledge which they need in order to progress to the highest exaltation in eternity, all these will live until their work is finished and God calls them back to their eternal home as a reward.

[45] General epistle of the First Presidency to the Saints in every land, October 3, 1942 When, as the Lord Himself has declared, plague, pestilence, famine, and death shall be poured out upon the nations for their wickedness, and when these shall break over our heads and our loved ones are smitten nigh to death, when hearts are torn and the anguish of grief almost overwhelms us, who can fathom the joy or measure the blessing of that father and mother who can stand before the Lord and say: "We have kept Thy commandments. We and ours have lived The law. Vouchsafe Thy promised blessings unto us. We remember Thy word, 'I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say.' Let Thy healing power rest upon our afflicted ones 'that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them.'" (HEBER J. GRANT, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY, First Presidency)

Family notes on the Word of Wisdom

D&C Section 89