Why do Latter-day Saints Don’t Drink Coffee, Tea or Alcohol

Get to know more about the Word of Wisdom – a health code followed by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In simple terms, it’s a series of guidelines aim towards healthful living which was given to Joseph Smith in 1833. It outlines good food habits, therefore mentioning great food that keeps a person’s body strong and healthy. And in the contrary, it also tells the food and drinks that a person should avoid, and they include those popular for many – coffee, tea and alcohol.

The Word of Wisdom teaches to avoid taking addictive substances like alcohol and tobacco, and promotes healthy eating and exercise activities.

Word of Wisdom – what is it all about?

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormons have committed themselves to follow all the teachings of Jesus Christ, and they believe it to be very rewarding. True happiness in life can be had if we are guided by God’s commandments, and one of these is a code of health referred to as the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom teaches people how to stay healthy, and part of this is avoiding addictive substances like coffee and alcohol.


The Word of Wisdom is recorded and can be found in a book of scripture called the Doctrine and Covenants. Aside from giving counsel regarding which food and drinks to take or avoid, following the Word of Wisdom shows many benefits and blessings in return. 

History of the Word of Wisdom 

The Word of Wisdom was the result of God’s response to the Prophet Joseph Smith’s question. Colleagues of Joseph Smith engaged themselves in the use of alcohol when they gathered for meetings. Since tobacco smells a lot and causes stains that are hard to remove, it made Joseph think about it and began asking the Lord. As an answer, the Lord revealed the Word of Wisdom to Joseph in 1833.

The Do’s and Don’ts in the Word of Wisdom

The Do’s or the good food include grains, fruits and vegetables. The Word of Wisdom mentions them as healthy food that will make one’s body healthy and strong. Meat is considered as a source of food for man, but should be taken moderately. In addition, engaging in exercise and getting enough sleep are also encouraged.

On the ill side, one must not take alcohol or other strong drinks. Hot drinks such as tea and coffee are also discouraged. Tobacco should also be avoided, especially the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of legal drugs.

Those who follow and keep the Word of Wisdom are promised specific blessings of health, wisdom and strength.
Those who follow and keep the Word of Wisdom are promised specific blessings of health, wisdom and strength.

Blessings of the Word of Wisdom

Those who follow and keep the Word of Wisdom are promised specific blessings of health, wisdom and strength. Being obedient means getting rewarded. The scripture teaches that “all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments” will receive:

  1. “Health in their navel and marrow to their bones”
  2. “Wisdom and great treasures of knowledge”
  3. And have the ability to “run and not be weary” and “walk and not faint”.  

The Word of Wisdom is not intended to be a list of things that are forbidden for members of the Church to eat and drink. Rather, they believe the Word of Wisdom is a gift. It is a sacred revelation from a Heavenly Father who wants His children to be healthy and happy. Members of the Church treat the Word of Wisdom as a gift – a holy revelation from a Heavenly Father who simply wants His children to become healthy, strong and happy. It’s not looked upon as a list of forbidden things that members should avoid, but rather as a guide and model towards achieving an active and fulfilling life. ◼︎


Additional Resources
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