“When [the brethren] assembled together in this room after breakfast, the first they did was to light their pipes, and, while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom, and spit all over the room, and as soon as the pipe was out of their mouths a large chew of tobacco would then be taken. Often when the Prophet entered the room to give the school instructions he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean so filthy a floor, made the Prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the Elders in using tobacco, and the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom was the result of his inquiry.” — Brigham Young1
Starting in 1833, Joseph Smith and others gathered in the Whitney Store for the School of the Prophets.2 Because of Emma Smith's complaints about tobacco use during the meetings, Joseph sought divine counsel on the matter. He received a revelation that advised against the use of tobacco, alcohol, and hot drinks like tea and coffee while recommending a healthy diet rich in grains, herbs, and fruits and sparing consumption of meat.3
Initially presented as guidance rather than a commandment, adherence varied among Church members.4 The revelation promised health, wisdom, and protection to those who followed its principles.5 The Word of Wisdom is now found in Doctrine and Covenants 89.6
