(9/7/97)
When the Word of Wisdom was given, many people questioned it, and many didn't accept it as the word of the Lord. Some say it was not a commandment, but when the Lord said he would like you to do it, to me that is commandment enough.—President N. Eldon Tanner, General Conference, October 1973

(9/8/97)
The physical blessings of health and strength that are promised through obedience to the Word of Wisdom are now well-known and well documented. In addition, the spiritual blessings of "wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures," come to those who keep their bodies free from addictive substances. When we obey the Word of Wisdom, windows of personal revelation are opened to us and our souls are filled with divine light and truth. If we keep our bodies undefiled, the Holy Ghost "shall come upon [us] and... dwell in [our] heart[s]" and teach us "the peaceable things of immortal glory."—Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, General Conference, October 1995

(9/9/97)
Your body is the instrument of your mind. In your emotions, the spirit and the body come closest to being one. What you learn spiritually depends, to a degree, on how you treat your body. That is why the Word of Wisdom 26 is so important.... Do not ignore the Word of Wisdom, for that may cost you the "great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures" promised to those who keep it. And good health is an added blessing.—Elder Boyd K. Packer, General Conference, October 1994

(9/10/97)
Marrow has long been a symbol of vibrant, healthful living. But in a day of life-saving bone marrow transplants, the phrase "marrow to their bones" takes on an additional significance as a spiritual covenant. The promises for those who keep the Word of Wisdom continue. Those who observe this law " shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them" (D&C 89:19-21).—Elder James E. Faust, General Conference, April 1992

(9/11/97)
Good physical and-spiritual health can help us to stay on the straight and narrow way. The Lord gave his code of health in the Word of Wisdom, a "principle with promise" that modern medical science continues to substantiate (D&C 89:3). All of God's commandments, including the Word of Wisdom, are spiritual (see D&C 29:34-35). We need to nourish ourselves spiritually even more than physically. Are we giving adequate emphasis to our spiritual health?—Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, General Conference, October 1990

(9/12/97)There is another part of this revelation that constitutes a pertinent warning to this modern generation: "In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation." (D&C 89:4.) The Lord foresaw the situation of today when motives for money would cause men to conspire to entice others to take noxious substances into their bodies. Advertisements which promote beer, wine, liquors, coffee, tobacco, and other harmful substances are examples of what the Lord foresaw. But the most pernicious example of an evil conspiracy in our time is those who induce young people into the use of drugs.—President Ezra Taft Benson (April 1983)

(9/13/97)
Joseph Smith through revelation taught a new concept of the human body as the tabernacle of the spirit. A man's body is sacred and is not to be violated. Any willful impairment is an affront to God, and therefore care of the body is of spiritual significance. To assist us in keeping our bodies as proper abodes for our spirits, Joseph Smith received a revelation known as the Word of Wisdom, which if followed will bring great blessings to body and mind.—President N. Eldon Tanner, General Conference, October 1979

(7/11/05)
"The Word of Wisdom does not promise you perfect health, but it teaches how to keep the body you were born with in the best condition and your mind alert to delicate spiritual promptings....

"The promise of health for living the standard of the revelation is not limited to members of the Church. Tell your nonmember friends about the Word of Wisdom and urge them to live it." - Boyd K. Packer, "The Word of Wisdom: The Principle and the Promises," Ensign, May 1996, 18

12/31/07
"We preach and discuss the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom, and usually think of the temporal blessings that will come to us in increased health if we live in harmony with its teaching, that we might run and not be weary and walk and not faint, and the destroying angel should pass us by, but there is also a spiritual aspect which is more far-reaching and should stimulate us to high purpose. The promise I am thinking of is this:

"'And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments... shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures...' (Doc. & Cov. 89:18, 19.)

"What could be so priceless as wisdom and knowledge, even hidden treasures?" - Spencer W. Kimball, "Conference Report," October 1944, Afternoon Meeting, p.42

6/25/08
"Now, as to faith: Believe me, you can count on all that God has said. More than a hundred thirty-six years ago, to a young prophet he said simply, '... tobacco is not... good for man...." (D&C 89:8.) It has taken medical science more than a century to prove that the Lord knew what he was talking about. When he tells us something, he expects us to believe it. It doesn't take faith to believe the Word of Wisdom any more. It just takes a little common sense." - Richard L. Evans, "Conference Report," October 1969, Afternoon Meeting, p.67 - 68

11/27/09
“Are you teaching your children to keep the Word of Wisdom only because it is a good health habit, or are you teaching them that by not keeping the Word of Wisdom they are not eligible to receive the knowledge and understanding to comprehend the laws of godliness, and so will be deprived of the opportunity to receive the power of the priesthood, and then not be permitted to enter the temple and thereby lose all the blessings of increase for all eternity? That is quite a price to pay, I would say. We are told they will become ministering angels, and in worlds without end shall have no increase. (See D. & C. 132:15-18.)” - Eldred G. Smith, “Conference Report,” October 1948, Afternoon Meeting, p. 93

8/23/11
The Word of Wisdom allows us to know that the Lord is vitally concerned about the health of His Saints. He has graciously given us counsel for improving our health, endurance, and resistance to many diseases.

The temporal promise for obedience is: They “shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; … [they] shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.” (D&C 89:18, 20.)

I have always felt, however, that the greater blessing of obedience to the Word of Wisdom and all other commandments is spiritual.

Listen to the spiritual promise: “All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, … shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures.” (D&C 89:18, 19; italics added.) - Ezra Taft Benson, "A Principle With a Promise," Ensign (CR) April 1983

7/31/12
As you seek to receive Heavenly Father’s blessings regarding the Word of Wisdom, include a commitment to never touch the illegal drugs that are prevalent in today’s society. The adversary will have very little power to tempt you with things that you have never touched. - John B. Dickson, "Commitment to the Lord," Ensign (CR) May 2007

9/1/13
Surely the Word of Wisdom was given so that you may keep the delicate, sensitive, spiritual part of your nature on proper alert. Learn to “listen” to your feelings. You will be guided and warned and taught and blessed. - Boyd K. Packer, "The Word of Wisdom: The Principles and the Promises," Ensign (CR) May 1996

11/28/14
The state of our health affects every facet of our life—our feeling of personal well-being, our approach to work, our social interactions—even our service to the Lord.

Physical ills are a reality of life, but in spite of them the scriptures declare, “Men are, that they might have joy” (2 Ne. 2:25). The Lord has affirmed this statement by providing us with revealed instructions concerning our health, which, if followed, will increase both the length of our life and our joy in it. - Barbara B. Smith, “Good Health—A Key to Joyous Living,” Ensign (CR) October 1978

12/26/16
We believe and obey a revelation from God. It says “wine or strong drink … is not good. … Tobacco is not for the body, … hot drinks (meaning tea and coffee) are not for the body.” (D&C 89:5–9.) Obedience to this law qualifies us to receive the promised blessings: we shall receive health, wisdom, strength, and protection. (See D&C 89:18–21.) We do not worry. We have an inner peace and quietude. Even knowing the calamities we may face, we know we will have the promised blessings and protection of the Lord. – A. Theodore Tuttle, “Come Drink the Living Water,” Ensign (CR) May 1975