The Vegetarian Tree: The Fruit is Good!: Word of Wisdom 101

Mormon Moms for Vegetarian, Vegan and Raw Cooking!

On this blog you will undoubtedly come across references to the Word Of Wisdom. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we believe that modern day revelation exists between God and His children. He does this through the prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through modern day revelation the Lord has given us many pieces of information that are important for life in our day and time. One such revelation is called the Word of Wisdom. It is found in the 89th section of the book of scripture called the Doctrine and Covenants. In this revelation we are taught about things that would be harmful to our bodies and things that are pleasing or healthy for us. Many people associate Mormons with their abstinence from tea, coffee, and tobacco. This policy comes from the Word of Wisdom, but there is much more wisdom to be found in its verses. There is much direction about food that will help strengthen our bodies and spirits. In this list would be included lots of Fruits, Vegetables, and Grains! We invite you to read the Word of Wisdom for yourself and find out what God has revealed to his children in our time. He cares about us in so many ways. He has taught us through the Bible that our bodies are temples (see 1 Corinthians 6:19). We are grateful that He cares about helping us treat them as such.

Click HERE to read the Word of Wisdom

Other reading Ronda and Amy Recommend:

The Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price

(for life)

The China Study

(health and nutrition information)

The Places That Scare You

(meditation, charity and love)

*The views and suggestions on this blog are not sponsored by the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints. They are the views of active Latter-day Saint moms that study the scriptures and any other revelations from the past and current leaders of The Church as endorsed by church leadership.

Doctrine and Covenants 89:10-16

"I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—Every herb (plant) in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving. 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; And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine. All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth. And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger. All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground." (emphasis added)

John A. Widstoe

"It was shown in the history of plant science that plants contain all the necessary food substances: proteins, fats, starches and the carbohydrates, minerals...water {and} vitamins. The Great builder of the earth provided well for the physical needs of His children. Countless varieties of edible plants, vegetables, cereals, fruits and nuts are yielded by Mother Nature for man's daily food. If one uses meat it must be used sparingly and in winter or famine only...They who wish to be well and gain the promised reward stated in the Word of Wisdom must obey all of the law, not just part of it as suits their whim or their appetite, or their notion of its meaning." (The Word of Wisdom, a Modern Interpretation, 1950)

Doctrine and Covenants 59:16-21

"...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 rainment, 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. And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments." (emphasis added)

Ezra Taft Benson

"There is no question that the health of the body affects the spirit, or the Lord would never have revealed the Word of Wisdom...Disease, fever and unexpected deaths are some of the consequences directly related to disobedience...To a great extent, we are physically what we eat. Most of us are acquainted with some of the prohibitions of the Word of Wisdom...but what need additional emphasis are the positive aspects - the need for vegetables, fruits, and grain, particularly wheat. We need a generation of people who eat in a healthier manner." (Ensign, September 1988, p. 5)

Ezra Taft Benson