Come, Follow Me

A Word to Always Live By

Doctrine and Covenants 89

By Eric B. Murdock; illustrated by Spencer Hale

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Joseph Smith with men who are smoking

During a meeting with the Prophet Joseph Smith, many men smoked pipes and chewed tobacco.

Emma Smith

Emma and Joseph Smith

Joseph’s wife, Emma, talked to him about the mess the smoke and tobacco left. These things seemed to take away from the Spirit. Joseph wondered what God thought about it.

Joseph Smith praying

Joseph prayed about what Emma said, and he received a revelation about how we can live a healthy life. It also described great blessings for doing so.

Joseph Smith and foods

The Lord revealed that we should:

Eat fruits and herbs, including vegetables (see Doctrine and Covenants 89:10–11).

Eat meat sparingly (see Doctrine and Covenants 89:12–13).

Eat grains (see Doctrine and Covenants 89:14–17).

items forbidden by Word of Wisdom

The Lord also revealed that we should stay away from:

Alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee (see Doctrine and Covenants 89:5–9).

man throwing pipe into fire

When Joseph shared this revelation, called a “Word of Wisdom,” some men threw their pipes and tobacco into the fire.

Joseph Smith teaching other men

Prophets have taught the importance of following the Word of Wisdom and other healthy practices such as: nutritious eating, regular exercise, proper hygiene, and getting enough sleep. Following the Word of Wisdom helps us be sensitive to guidance and impressions from the Spirit.

You can learn more about the Word of Wisdom and the Lord’s promises to us in Doctrine and Covenants 89.