1 “Word of Wisdom,” see TG Word of Wisdom

Genesis 1:29-30, Moses 2:29-30, & Abraham 4:29-30

“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.”

What did the Lord give us to be our meat?

“Wherein there is life” To what has the Lord given life?  Why do you suppose the Lord was sure to mention there is life within every beast, every fowl and every creeping thing?

What is life to the Lord; how does he regard the lives He gives?
Is life something to be reverenced?

Genesis 9:3~refer to the inspired translation in the Joseph Smith Translation Genesis 9: 10-11:

 “But the blood of all flesh which I have given you for meat, shall be shed upon the ground, which taketh life thereof, and the blood ye shall not eat.
 And surely, blood shall not be shed, only for meat, to save your lives; and the blood of every beast will I require at your hands.”

Which part of the beasts has been given to us for meat?
What part of the beasts have we been forbidden to eat?

` Does the Lord consider us eating the flesh of the animals as taking lives?
Why do you suppose the Lord was sure to mention “which taketh the life thereof”?
At what time in our human lives does the Lord permit us to take the life of an animal?
When is shedding the blood of an animal permissible to the Lord?
Does it feel as though the Lord reverences the lives of animals?
Does the Lord require the animals to sacrifice their lives by having their blood shed at any other time other than to save human lives?

Deuteronomy 14:3  (Read whole chapter)

 “Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.”

Why should we not eat any abominable thing?
Will eating abominable things affect our bodies and/or spirits?

Proverbs 3:1-13

 “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:
 For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son is whom he delighteth.
 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”

 Doctrine & Covenants 89:18

  “And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;”

Should we be obedient to the Lord’s commands?
If we are obedient to the Word of Wisdom commandments, all of them, how will the Lord manifest blessings unto us?
What does mercy and truth have to do with keeping the Word of Wisdom?
Why must we bind mercy and truth to our necks and write mercy and truth on the table of our hearts?
Do the foods we put on our dining tables have anything to do with mercy and truth?
Who should we trust and lean upon to direct our paths, God or man?
Should we be humble, fear God’s judgments more than man’s, and depart from our evil ways regarding the Word of Wisdom?
Do we have health to our navels and marrow to our bones?

(Side note)  Bone Marrow:

 “Present throughout the body, bone marrow is the “nursery” for all of our immune cells.  Some emerge fully formed from the bone marrow.  Others, such as certain lymphocytes and monocytes, migrate out of the bone marrow in an undifferentiated form to the lymphatic tissues, especially to the thymus gland, spleen, and lymph nodes, where they develop into their characteristic forms.”  (Pg. 523, Gary Null’s Ultimate Anti-Aging Program)

Do we want the blessings of a healthy navel and bone marrow?

[I have a scar in my navel from having my gallbladder removed.  The navel is also where infants are nurtured within their mothers.  Something to ponder.]

How do the foods we eat affect our navel and marrow?

Should we pay our tithing?

How will we be blessed?

Weary= exhausted either physically or mentally, tired, discontented, causing fatigue.

How should we accept the Lord’s teachings and directions regarding the Word of Wisdom?

Do we heed God’s commands realizing He is loving us and trying to purify us when He chastens us?

Proverbs 23:1-4, 6-8, 12, 17, 19-21

 “When thou sittest to eat…, consider diligently what is before thee:
 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
 Be not desirous of (his) dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom…
 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words…
 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge…
 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long…
 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way…
 Be not among winebidders; among riotous eaters of flesh (footnote=gluttonous eaters of meat):
 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”

Diligent= constant and persistent attention to
Consider= ponder or study; judge; reflect; meditate

 When we sit to eat do we ponder, study and judge our foods constantly and persistently to be sure we are obeying the Word of Wisdom?  To the fullest?  (Complete obedience?)

Appetite= craving for food, any strong desire, inclination to satisfy a want

 How strongly does the Lord feel about us being given to appetite and in what way?
 Are we getting the Lord’s message regarding our appetites and acting upon His truths?

Dainty= of delicate beauty or exquisite taste, a delicacy
Deceit= fraud, cheat, a trick, dishonest, mislead, imposter

 What does the Lord mean by the exquisite meats being deceitful?
 Why should we not partake?
 Should we seek, study and pray about why the Lord teaches us meats/flesh are an imposter?
 What could meats/flesh be an imposter for?
 Why is the Lord telling us that those who desire us to eat meats are evil and they don’t love us and are not seeking our best interest?
 Who would love to see us disobey the Lord and damage our bodies?
 Why?
 How bad are these meats that we should vomit them up?
 What damage could they do to our bodies?
 Does this have anything to do with our bone marrow and navels?
 Should we find out?
 How should we apply our hearts and live our lives?
 What instruction has the Lord given us that we need to apply to our lives?

Apply= bring into physical contact.  Put to use.  Devote to a particular purpose.

 If we do not apply our hearts to the Lord’s way and Word of Wisdom, what will be our consequences?
 Are we in poverty?  (Lack of money, scarcity)
 Are we drowsy?
 How is our drowsiness affecting our ability to work?
 Is it affecting the money we are able to bring home and save?
 Is it affecting our home in any way?

 In the Discourses of Brigham Young under the section titled Womanly Duties, President Young said he could tell whether or not a man could get rich or not by the way his wife kept house.  If it was disorderly and unorganized and everything did not have its place, that man would NEVER be rich.  Something to be looked up, read and pondered.

 Ecclesiastes 10:17

 “Blessed art thou, O Land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!”

 Is the land truly blessed or cursed by the way we eat?
 What does the way we eat have to do with seasons and being a blessing for the land?
 How does a meat-based diet affect the land?
 Does eating in season given us strength?
 Do we believe the Lord?
 Does eating for drunkenness have to do with our appetites?
 What else?  See TG Word of Wisdom

 Daniel 1: 8-17

  “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort?  Then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.
 Then said Daniel to Melzar whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Michael, and Azariah,
 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
  Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenances of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.
 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”

Purposed= committed, intended
Defile= desecrate, sacrilege, profanation of something sacred
Prove= test the qualities of, make certain by bringing for evidence
Countenance= the expression of the face
Pulse= The Hebrew word denotes seeds, and may include the grains of leguminous vegetables or any other edible seeds.

What would have defiled Daniel’s body?
Are our bodies so sacred that meat and alcohol would desecrate the bodies the Lord has given us?
Why?
Is there something we don’t know and/or understand about meat that Daniel did?
Was the Holy Ghost with Daniel?
How did the experiment between pulse versus meat turn out?
Was Daniel indeed healthier by eating pulse and drinking water than the children eating meat and drinking wine?
How else was Daniel blessed by keeping his body clean and undefiled with the meat?
Does the Spirit dwell much easier with us when our bodies are pure?
Why would meat defile our bodies?
Shouldn’t we find out?

1 Timothy 4:3-5

 “Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Forbid= order not to do something
Abstain= refrain, hold oneself back from
And commanding= is in italics: see bible dictionary.  Italics= were NOT in Hebrew or Greek text, translators added words, not always justified.

To forbid to abstain means= to order NOT to hold oneself back from.
 How do these verses in Timothy compare to all the previous scriptures?
Does the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 9: 10-11 give a good reason to give thanks to God?
Does the JST translation also have to do with “them which believe and KNOW THE TRUTH”?

[If one knows the truth of JST Gen. 9: 10-11, then one would receive with thanksgiving ONLY at the specified time given by God, thus being sanctified by the word of God and prayer.]

Should we be exceedingly grateful, also, to the animal that sacrificed its life that the Lord gave it, so we may eat it?
I personally find these scriptures confusing in the following ways:
#1.  The Lord said in JST Genesis 9:10-11 that we are only to shed blood and take the life thereof to save our lives.  Is the scripture referring to that truth and most people are just missing that truth, thus justifying themselves and their appetite in the cruel slaughter of God’s gentle creatures?
#2.  In Deuteronomy 14 the Lord specifies many animals that are NOT good for us to eat and would, in fact, be abominable for us to do so.
I obviously agree with the Lord that every creature is good, however, not necessarily good to eat, because God did give a large list of “DO NOT EAT” animals in Deuteronomy 14.
What is the italicized “and commanding”?
 Did the Spirit constrain Joseph Smith not to correct this scripture?
 Should we read the Diaries of Joseph Smith and the Teachings of Joseph Smith?
 Would this kind of study help us to better understand the Word of Wisdom?
What  did Brigham Young have to say?
Anyone else?

Alma 46:40

 “And there were some who died with fevers, which at some seasons of the year were very frequent in the land - but not so much with fevers, because of the excellent qualities of the many plants and roots which God had prepared to remove the cause of diseases, to which men were subject by the nature of the climate.”

 What did the Lord prepare to remove the cause of diseases?
 Should we study and learn of the Lord’s plants and roots that we may use them to our benefit also?

Doctrine and Covenants 49: 18-21 (a message to the Shakers)

 “And whosoever forbiddeth to abstain from meats, that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God;
 For, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance.
 But it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth in sin.
 And wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath no need.”

 Forbiddeth to abstain means to order NOT to hold one back.  The footnote says, “I.e. biddeth.”  However, in verse 15 the Lord uses “forbiddeth to marry” and there is no footnote saying, “i.e. biddeth.”  Why?
 Why would Jesus use “forbiddeth” if he meant, “Biddeth”?

“…For food and for raiment” does NOT say “…as food and as raiment.”
 Do humans use cows, oxen, etc. to plow etc.?
 Do humans use wool for clothing?
 “…That he might have in abundance.”  Would we have more food and raiment if we spared the animal life and use the animal to help sow food and its fur for raiment?
 Should we study about this concept?
 How would man possess above another?
 Is it true that poor people in many countries do not eat meat because of the cost?
 Are the poor people, who eat no meat, healthier than those above them? (in reference to osteoporosis, breast cancer, obesity, other cancers, heart disease…)
 Why does the footnote instruct to see the law of consecration?
 Does the world currently lie in sin?
 Should we find out?

 “Sheddeth blood” see DC 89 footnote 21a:  Life, Sanctity of JST Genesis 9:10-11 “And surely blood shall not be shed, only for meat, to save your lives; and the blood of every beast will I require at your hands.”

 Does the Lord require an animal to sacrifice its life for ours when it is NOT  to save our life, when we are NOT having any NEED?
 Does the Lord reverence and sanctify animal life?
 Should we?
 “Wasteth” footnote= cruelty
 “And hath no need”
 Does the Lord feel it is cruel to shed the blood of an animal when we have no need?

 When would we have NEED to shed animal blood?
 Are we accountable to God for our stewardship over the animals?
 Will we have to explain our NEED to have taken the lives of animals?

Doctrine and Covenants 59: 16-20

 “Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the fullness 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 raiment, 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 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.”

 Read all of section 59 to discover what we must do to be blessed with the fullness of the earth.
 What becomes ours if we keep the commandments?
 Where do the good things come from?
 What are the good things?
 What shall the good things be used for?
 Are seasons significant to the Lord?
 Why?
 Should we study about food and seasons?
 How will these things benefit us?
 Does God care about our happiness?
 Why and how would these good things gladden our hearts and please our eyes?
 How will these good things strengthen our bodies?
 Does the condition of our bodies affect our spirits?
 How?
 What role does food play in this?
 Should we find out through studying about foods and their effects on our health and bodies?
 Is God pleased when we use these things with judgment, not to excess or extortion?

Judgment= ability to make accurate determinations; discernment- distinguished by the eye or the intellect; discriminate- showing good taste
Excess= too much, immoderate indulgence of the appetites, more than enough
Extortion= demanding too much, obtain by force or compulsion; wrest from another by intimidation.

 How can we be sure we are using good judgment, or accurate determinations in the foods we put into our bodies?
 Again, should we study about how foods affect our bodies?
 Reading the definition of excess, are we reminded of how the Lord feels about indulging our appetites?
 How does extortion apply to plant foods and animal foods?
 How do we demand too much or force and intimidate a plant to give us what we want?
 Can we eat too much?
 Does that affect our bodies, the plants and the earth?
 How do we demand too much of animals by force and intimidation to get what we want?
 Is it important to find out if we are being responsible to our stewardship over the animals?
 How does our stewardship and eating habits affect the animals, the earth and our bodies?
 Should we find out?

1.   “…For the benefit of the council of the high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the Church, and also the Saints in Zion-“  (Doctrine and Covenants 89:1)

 Benefit= advantage; profit; and act of kindness

How does the before studied Word of Wisdom benefit us?
 Was it an act of kindness by God to give us this Word of Wisdom for our benefit or profit?

2. “To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the Word of Wisdom,”

1 Cor. 12:8

“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit.”

 Doctrine and Covenants 84:44

 “For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.”

 “…Showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days-“  (Doctrine and Covenants 89:2

Order= an authoritative direction, a command.  Systematic arrangement.  Religious ordination.  Conformity to law or authority.

 “Will of God” see Doctrine and Covenants 29:34

 “Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at anytime have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.”

 Alma 32:19

 “And now, how much more cursed is he that knoweth the will of God and doeth it not, than he that only believeth, or only hath cause to believe, and falleth into transgression?”

3. “Given for a principle with a promise,”

Principle= fundamental truth or doctrine on which others are based; eternal truth unchanging.  Rules of conduct or ethical behavior.

“Promise” Eph 2:12

“ That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:”

Eph 6:2

 “Honour thy father and mother, (which is the first commandment with promise;)

Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-21

 “And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
 And 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.  Amen.”

“3…Adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.”

Adapt= make suitable; alter to fit; readily able to conform.
Capacity= ability; power to act.  The power of receiving.  Function.
Weak= lacking physical strength or endurance.  Lacking moral or mental strength or firmness.  Inadequate or unsatisfactory; faulty

In 1833, was the Word of Wisdom given to the Saints as a lesser law adapted, (or altered to suit), the capacity, (or ability and power to act), of the weak, (or those lacking physical, moral and mental endurance and strength)?

 What was the Word of Wisdom adapted from?
 Is this important?
 Was the Word of Wisdom adapted from Heavenly Father’s Celestial way of eating?
 Will we be eating the Celestial way during the Millennium when not even the carnivorous animals will be carnivores anymore?
 What have the prophets had to say about this topic?
 Do we want to be among the weak Saints, barely able, or not able, to eat properly and constantly trying to justify our appetites for meat?
 Should we find out the answers to these questions if we want to be Celestial and live in the Millennium as a truly Zion people, pure in heart?
 Do the Pure in heart seek to destroy animal life when they have no need and their lives are not in danger?
 What does all this have to do with the order and will of God?
 Should we study and pray about this?

4. “Behold, verily, thus sayest the Lord unto you: 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-“

Are these the Last Days we’re living in?

Verily= truly; really

Who is truly talking to us here?

Consequence= that which follows as the result of some preceding act, cause; significance

 Evils= wicked, immoral, harmful, disastrous, injury, Satan, violation of moral principles

TG deceit, evils= Does this remind us of Proverbs 23?
    Should we read it again?

Design= draw a plan; plan a detailed pattern; intend; arrangement of details
Conspire= combine for an unlawful purpose; plot secretly
                   TG Secret Combinations
Warn= put on guard; caution.  Advise; notify
Forewarn= warn of a coming event
Revelation= see Bible Dictionary.  Make known or uncover.  Without revelation we could not know the things of God and could not be saved with any degree of salvation in the eternities.

 What did the Lord know about evils and designs in the hearts of conspiring men?
 Do the evil conspiracies go beyond alcohol?
 What have we recently uncovered about tobacco companies, tannic acid and caffeine?
 Is it a conspiracy when people keep secrets about things that could hurt others just so they can make money?
 Is it a conspiracy when people keep secrets about things with the intent to harm?
 Is this not immoral and an evil design?
 How do conspiracies affect our animals?
 Are thy being harmed and thus harming us when we eat animal products?
 Shouldn’t we find out?
 Is it against the Spirit of the Word of Wisdom to ingest things into our bodies that are not good for us?
 Is it good to have another species’ DNA and RNA in our bodies?
 Is it good to have another species’ growth hormones within our bodies?
 Is there more within these animals we should learn about before putting their flesh or milk etc. in our bodies?
 What affect could these things have on our health?
 Should we inject things into our bodies that could harm us?
 Should we inject things into the animals’ bodies that could harm them?
 What was the Lord warning and forewarning us about?
 Should we seek out the truth and find answers to these questions?
 Again, does the Lord know something of evil designs and conspiracies regarding the foods we ingest that we do not?
 Does this mean there may be more than one reason not to shed the blood of animals unless our lives are in danger?
 Should we find out?

5. “That any man that drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.
6.  And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of
the vine, of your own make.
7.  And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.
8. And, again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.
9. And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.”

In 1833 science did not back this scripture up.  It was very hard for people to understand and believe in God’s revealed truth.
Now, in 2001, the above-mentioned things in scripture are completely understood, and many boast in their loving and wise God.
However, no one seems to look to the “sparingly,” “ only to save your lives,” etc. when it comes to eating meat.
Why?
Why do we doubt God and his counsel?
Or shall I ask, why do we not follow God’s command to only shed blood when we need to save our lives such as in famine?
Besides the Gospel being a gospel of peace and love, and God loving His wonderful animals to which He gave life, is there a scientific reasoning now known that WE have not yet learned?
Should we find out?

10. “And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man-“

Wholesome= contributing to health of body, mind, or character.  Healthy or sound looking.
Herbs= an annual plant whose stem does not become woody, often used for medicine, flavoring, etc.
Footnote: plants and Genesis 1:29 (see pg. 1) D&C 59: 17-20 (see pg. 10-11)
Ordained= decree, enact; appoint; confer holy orders upon.
Constitution= natural composition, qualities, structure, etc.  Code of principles or laws forming the basis of an organization.
Nature= the essential character of a person or thing.
Use= employ for a purpose.  Put to service. Consume.
(The Lord uses the word “again” a lot in Doctrine and Covenants 89.  When did He tell us this before?  Where can we find scripture regarding the law of health?)

The Lord ordained all plants that contribute to our health for our natural composition, qualities and structure; also for our essential character and use.
Did the Lord confer holy orders upon the plants to be healthy for us and to be just right for the way our bodies are put together and meant to be used?
Are plants a perfect creation of God to perfectly suit the structure of our bodies and give us good health?
Can we study about our bodies and other herbivores and carnivores on the earth and see how we compare?
Should we know about and understand how our bodies are made and work?
What benefits our bodies?
What ails our bodies?
Do the foods we eat affect our character?
Should we find out?
What is the use and purpose of food, especially the plants mentioned in this scripture?

11. “Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.”

Season= a suitable time; ripe; winter, spring, summer, Fall.
Prudence= careful judgment, foresight, discretion.  TG Temperance= see Self-Mastery~ meaning “Not to extortion or to excess.”

Thanksgiving= give thanks (for such a tremendous blessing?)

Are seasons important to the Lord?  Why?
Are we to use careful judgment and foresight in our use of herbs and fruits?  Why?
Should we use them to excess?  Why not?
Is there a reason we should give thanks to God for all these good herbs and fruits?  What?

12. “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;”

Flesh~ In Leviticus 11 and Deut. 14 there is a long list of which animals are “clean” to us and which are “unclean and abominable” to us.
 Does the Lord give us laws which are only temporal?
 Should we follow these guidelines even if we don’t know the Spiritual reasons that the Lord does?
 The footnote to sparingly is Temperance.  However, Webster’s Dictionary clearly defines sparingly and temperance to be two entirely different things.  So we will stick with the word and definition of sparingly that Jesus used.

 Sparingly= show mercy to; refrain from injuring, using, saying, etc. (meaning hold oneself back or abstain from injuring etc.); dispense (or do without), in reserve, meager, lean, frugal, an extra or reserve thing, AS A TIRE.  Scanty, restricted.
 Scanty= scarcely sufficient
 Scarce= insufficient, not abundant, uncommon, rare, hardly, barely, probably not
 Uncommon= NOT common or usual, out of ordinary

 When do we use a spare tire?
 Why do we use a spare tire?
 For how long do we use a spare tire?
 What do you do with your spare tire when you are done needing it?
 How can we apply this “spare tire” concept to eating the flesh of animal life SPARINGLY?
 How does this concept compare to JST Genesis 9: 10-11?
 Should we ponder and pray about this?

13. “And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.”

Pleasing= agreeable, delight to
“Used” footnote= D&C 59:16-20
Only= single; solely, merely, NO MORE THAN, excepting that
Or= connective between words, indicating an alternative or explanation
 Connective= associate mentally; join; associate closely; the state of being connected; union; family relationship; CONTINUITY OF WORDS OR IDEAS; a bond; tie
Famine= extreme scarcity of food.  STARVATION

 It pleases the Lord to NOT use the flesh of beasts and commands that we use the flesh NO MORE THAN in times of winter/cold/famine.
 When would a famine occur?
 Are we currently in a famine?
 What happens to plant and animal life during a famine?
 Should we be eating meat when we are not in a famine and consider the definition of sparingly and JST Gen. 9: 10-11?

14. “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 the heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;”

Grain= see “corn” in Bible Dictionary & Daniel 1: 6-20 (pg. 6)

 BD “corn”= Seven different words in Hebrew and three in Greek have been translated as corn in the KJV.  They are words referring to the cereal grains used for food, such as wheat or barley.  Corn in English refers to the cereal grains most common in a given region, such as wheat in England, oats in Ireland and Scotland, or maize (Indian corn) in Australia, Canada and the U.S.  Thus “ears of corn” in the English of the KJV would be called “heads of grain” in the U.S.  Indian corn (maize) was known and used only in the Western Hemisphere prior to the discovery of America; it is not the corn of the Bible.”
 Staff= cane
 Why are grains the “Staff of life”?
 What is in the grains that upholds our bodies and gives us life and even the blessings found in Doctrine and Covenants 89: 18-21?
 How does processing grains affect the grains and thus our bodies?

15. “And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.”

These: footnote D&C 49: 18 and 89:13.  “These” refers to beasts.
 And the Lord re-specifies they are ONLY to be used during a famine and excess of hunger and NO OTHER TIME, hence the word ONLY.

16. “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-“

Which foods did the Lord say are good for the use of man?
 Food= footnote reads see: MEAT, WORD OF WISDOM
 Fruit= Gen. 1:29 (see pg. 1)

17. “Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals; and for mild drinks, as also other grain.

Nevertheless= in spite of that
Mild= gentle, peaceful, kind

 Does wheat have an especially good effect on our bodies?
 What is so special about wheat?
 Should we find out?
 Does processing wheat affect the goodness of wheat and thus our bodies?
 Why, in these latter days, do so many people have allergies to wheat?
 Does this have something to do with the conspiracies of men in the Last Days?
 Should we find out?

18. “And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones.”

Keep= maintain possession or custody of; retain. CONTINUE or MAINTAIN IN ACTION or CONDUCT.  Perform, observe, fulfill, preserve, protect, care for, support
Do= perform, carry out, exert, work

 What sayings are we saints to remember to keep and do?
 Obedience to all the commandments?
 We previously discussed health to the navel and marrow to the bones on pg. 3.
 Definitely something to study and pray about.

19. “And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;”

Find= Doctrine and Covenants 84: 80

 “And any man that shall go and preach this gospel of the kingdom, and fail not to continue faithful in all things, shall not be weary in min, neither darkened, neither in body, limb, nor joint; and a hair of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed.  And they shall not go hungry, neither athirst.”

Wisdom= the power or faculty of forming a sound judgment in any matter.  TG: discernment; spiritual; education; God, Intelligence of; …
Treasures= family, managing finances in, riches, wealth worldliness.  Anything prized highly, retain carefully, regard and precious
Knowledge= see Daniel 1: 6-20

Testimony: Is a testimony precious?
TG Discernment, spiritual, Purpose of Earth, Education, Intelligence of God…
Hidden= kept out of view; prevented from being discovered.

Did the Lord grant this blessing of verse 19 &21 unto Daniel?
How?
Is this a blessing I want for my loved ones and me?
 Do I want to understand and obey the covenant and be blessed with these blessings?
 Why does the Lord keep His treasures hidden until we earn the knowledge through obedience?

20. “And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.”

Footnote: run: Proverbs 4: 12

 “”When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straightened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.”

Footnote: straightened= distressed or hampered

Isaiah 40: 31

 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Strength= vigor, power, efficacy, power of muscles
Vigor= active strength of body, good physical condition, mental energy
Weary= exhausted either physically or mentally; tire; fatigue

Proverbs 24: 10-12
 “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
 If thou sayest, Behold, we knwe it not; doth not he that pondereth that heart consider it?  And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it?  And shall not he render to every man according to his works?”

Forbear= abstain from; hold back
Faint= not easily seen or heard; weak in tone; color, sound, etc.  Feeble; weak; about to swoon

 Have I received the blessings here in verse 20?
 Why or why not?
 Can I run?
 Am I weary?
 Am I faint?
 Something to ponder and pray about.

21. “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.  Amen.”

Destroying angel footnote: Divine Protection

Exodus 12: 23 & 29
 “For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side-posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.
 And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.”

 How will this blessing come to pass for us in these Latter Days?
 What do my eating habits have to do with the destroying angel in these Latter Days?

 This reminds me of something I read last year.

Teachings of Presidents of the Church
by Joseph F. Smith

(Pg. 393, emphasis added)  “I…testify, that unless the Latter-day Saints will live their religion, keep their covenants with God and their brethren, honor the priesthood which they bear, and try faithfully to bring themselves into subjection to the laws of God, they will be the first to fall beneath the judgments of the Almighty, for his judgments will begin at his own house.
 Therefore, those who have made a covenant with the Lord by baptism, a and have broken that covenant, who profess to be saints and are not, but are sinners, and covenant-breakers, and partakers of the sins of Babylon, most assuredly will “receive of her plagues,” for it is written that the righteous will barely escape [see Revelation 18:4; D & C 63: 34].  This is my testimony in relation to these matters.  We rely upon the word of the Lord in these things, and not upon the word of man, for not only have angels, but God Almighty has spoken from the heavens in this our own age of the world, and we know his word is true.”

Revelation 18: 4
 “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.”

Doctrine and Covenants 63: 34
 “And the saints also shall hardly escape; nevertheless, I, the Lord, am with them, and will come down in heaven from the presence of my Father and consume the wicked with unquenchable fire.”

Doctrine and Covenants 45: 28-32
 “And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fullness of my gospel;
 But they receive it not; for they perceive not the light, and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men.
 And in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
 And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.
 But my disciple shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and curse God and die.”

 With regard to our eating habits, how are the saints partaking of the sins of Babylon?
 How can we come out from her to stand in holy places and sin not?
 How do the saints lean on the arm of flesh or the learning of men’s precepts, instead of God’s Word of Wisdom?
 In these Latter-days, should we study and learn about animal products and the effects they have on our bodies without “being commanded in all things” so we may avoid the scourges and plagues?
 Should we ponder and pray on that?
 
 

 Some beginning places to find answers to these questions and more fully understand the Word of Wisdom can be found in the following places:

The teachings and diaries of the Prophets
The Word of Wisdom: A Modern Interpretation (once used as a lesson manual in church) written by Elder John A. Widtsoe & Leah Widtsoe
Diet Decisions for Latter-day Saints by Joyce Kinmont

www.ldsveg.org <http://www.ldsveg.org>  Thomas L. Rodgers website has scriptural information, scientific information and his, his father’s and others personal TRULYMIRACULOUS success stories.  It is a WONDERFUL site!

www.pcrm.org <http://www.pcrm.org>  Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.  This is an extremely informative site with fabulous up to date news on food choices and how they affect our bodies.  (And some very tasty recipes!)
www.DrDay.com <http://www.drday.com> Excellent!
www.909Shot.com <http://www.909shot.com>
www.NotMilk.com <http://www.notmilk.com>
www.DrugAwareness.org <http://www.drugawareness.org>
www.ChetDay.com <http://www.chetday.com>