Discussion No. 12
Word of Wisdom
1. Read Word of Wisdom, Sec. 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants.
a. What condition resulted in this revelation being given to Joseph Smith? D. & C. Commentary, page 705.
b. Call attention to the fact that the Word of Wisdom prohibits use of liquor, tobacco and hot drinks (tea and coffee).
2. Explain harmful results from their use:
a. To physical body.
b. Financial loss. One-third of all fires in the U.S. are caused by smokers of tobacco, resulting in the loss of more than two billion dollars of property and more than ten thousand lives annually. In 1944 the American people spent seven billion dollars for alcoholic drinks – more than all it cost for education, religious work, and charity.
c. Unsanitary.
d. Dims spirituality.
e. Offensiveness to others.
3. Injurious effects of the use of liquor, tobacco, tea and coffee, although not known then, have since been proven by scientists. (Era, July 1947.)
4. Word of Wisdom encourages regular use of vegetables, fruits, grains and moderate use of meats.
5. Promises made in Word of Wisdom of better health, more wisdom, and longer life fulfilled. See “Word of Wisdom” by Widtsoe, and Word of Wisdom tract.
6. Bible prophets proclaimed same truth.
a. Our bodies not to be defiled. 1 Cor. 3:16-17.
b. Eat nor drink anything that makes you weak or stumble. Rom. 14:21.
c. Herbs and grains for man’s use. Gen. 1:29.
d. Wine and strong drink, not good. Isa. 5:11; Prov. 20:1; 31:4-5; 23:29-32; 23:21.
e. Be temperate in all things. 2 Peter 1:5-7.
f. Daniel and Hebrew boys refused fare. Tell story, Daniel 1.
g. John the Baptist not to use wine nor strong drinks. Luke 1:15.
h. Story of Laban. Nephi 4:7.
i. Must not give neighbor drink. Hab. 2:15.
7. Read Mark E. Peterson’s sermon. Era May, 1948, on “The Cigarette.”
8. Results: See fruits of Mormonism, p. 91.
Suggested Tracts:
Word of Wisdom – Widtsoe No. 17
Word of Wisdom – Grant
Supplementary Reference:
Word of Wisdom – Widtsoe
We have pamphlets showing how persons may overcome the use of tobacco.