D&C 89:5-8 “That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him. And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make. And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies. And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.“
Study Insights
Doctrine and Covenants 89:5–8 (February 27, 1833)
Context of the Health Revelation
In early 1833 in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph Smith recorded a divine counsel that would become known as the “Word of Wisdom.” Verses 5 through 8 of Section 89 address substances—from wine to tobacco—and lay a foundation for a holistic approach to physical and spiritual wellness. This revelation emerged at a time when frontier living demanded practical guidelines for health, yet it transcends its era, inviting modern readers to consider moderation, reverence, and mindful stewardship of the body.
Sacred Use and Respect for Wine
The Lord’s words begin by distinguishing between casual indulgence and sacred ordinance. “If any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you,” the revelation warns, “behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father.” Here, the misuse of alcohol is set apart from its ceremonial role. Only when gathered to administer the sacrament is pure grape wine appropriate—a symbol of Christ’s blood and a tangible act of worship prepared by one’s own hand. This instruction emphasizes intentionality and respect, transforming what might be an everyday indulgence into a sacred act that draws participants closer to the divine.
Rejection of Excess and Promotion of Purity
Following the sacramental exception, the text underscores that “strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.” In other words, alcoholic beverages hold no rightful place in daily consumption; their value lies instead in medicinal or external applications. This distinction invites believers to reject excess and seek purity in dietary and lifestyle choices. By delineating proper and improper uses, the revelation fosters a culture of self-discipline, encouraging members to treat their bodies as temples worthy of reverent care rather than mere vessels for pleasure.
Tobacco’s Limited Role and Cautionary Wisdom
The counsel extends to tobacco with equal clarity: “Tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man.” Tobacco is relegated to a narrow medicinal purpose—“an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.” This measured allowance highlights a broader principle: substances that can harm or addict require strict boundaries. Even remedies must be applied thoughtfully, with the well-being of body and spirit paramount. The wording reflects both ancient herbal practices and a forward-looking concern for public health, urging users to employ even medicinal plants judiciously.
A Lasting Invitation to Holistic Well-Being
Taken together, verses 5 through 8 of D&C 89 offer more than a simple do-and-don’t list; they present a framework for balanced living. By respecting the sacrament, rejecting overindulgence, and using medicines wisely, individuals align their physical habits with spiritual commitments. This revelation remains relevant today, reminding us that choices about what we consume—and how we consume it—shape not only our bodies but our capacity to commune with the divine. In embracing these counsels, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—and indeed all readers—discover an enduring path to health, reverence, and self-mastery.
