"Among many blessings I have received from gospel teachings are those promised for keeping the Word of Wisdom. For me these have included health and knowledge and the capacity to 'run and not be weary, and . . . walk and not faint,' and the fulfillment of the promise that 'the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them' (D&C 89:18-21)" (Dallin H. Oaks, "The Gospel in Our Lives," Ensign, May 2002, 34).

"The body is the temple of the Spirit. The body is sacred. It was created in the image of God. It is something to be cared for and used for good purposes. It ought to be taken care of, and this thing which we call the Word of Wisdom, which is a code of health, is most helpful in doing that" (Gordon B. Hinckley, "This Thing Was Not Done in a Corner," Ensign, Nov. 1996, 49).

"A gospel principle that provides spiritual and physical strength is the Word of Wisdom. For many years after the Prophet Joseph Smith received this revelation in 1833, people deceived themselves into believing they could ignore or violate this law of health with impunity. I believe the Lord inspired President Heber J. Grant to emphasize it frequently and forcefully to counter the media that was becoming increasingly sophisticated and persuasive during his time. Today, medical science has proven that tobacco and other such addictive substances are poisons that are harmful to the human body" (Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Deep Roots," Ensign, Nov. 1994, 76-77).

"[Keep] our physical bodies healthy, wholesome homes for our eternal spirits. Harmful drugs and drinks destroy both the mind and the body and make us unfit for the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord" (L. Tom Perry, "Called to Serve," Ensign, May 1991, 40).

"The Apostle Paul declared, 'Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? . . . The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.' (1 Cor. 3:16-17.) Nutritious meals, regular exercise, and appropriate sleep are necessary for a strong body, just as consistent scripture study and prayer strengthen the mind and spirit.

"Hard drugs, wrongful use of prescription drugs, alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco products destroy your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Any form of alcohol, including beer, is harmful to your spirit and your body. Tobacco can enslave you, weaken your lungs, and shorten your life" (Thomas S. Monson, "That We May Touch Heaven," Ensign, Nov. 1990, 46).

"Physical well-being is not only a priceless asset to oneself—it is a heritage to be passed on. With good health, all other activities of life are greatly enhanced. A clean mind in a healthy body enables one to render far more effective service to others. It helps one provide more vigorous leadership. It gives our every experience in life more zest and more meaning. Robust health is a noble and worthwhile attainment" (Ezra Taft Benson, The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 479).

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