Journal of Discourses

The Word of Wisdom in the Journal of Discourses

All 165 sermons that touch it, 1855–1886 — when it was preached, who preached it, and every discourse listed.

Updated 2026-08-23

165 of the 1,426 sermons in the Journal of Discourses touch the Word of Wisdom — 12% of the series — preached by 22 men between 1855 and 1886. They are listed in full at the foot of this page, each linking to the discourse itself.

When it was preached

Share of each volume's sermons touching the Word of Wisdom

The peak is volume 12, preached in 1869, in the years Brigham Young pressed the Word of Wisdom hardest from the stand. It is not a steady rise toward the modern practice — the subject comes in waves, and the later volumes talk about it less than the middle ones do.

In their own words

One of the 165, preached by Brigham Young.

I will begin by asking the older portion of the assembly, if you do not recollect that when you were two, three, or four years of age, many of your mothers, as soon as you were able to drink out of a glass, and they happened to have a little wine, would compel you to partake of it, contrary to your feeble remonstrances? Do you not recollect when your mother made a little sling to revive her when she was fatigued with labor or exertion of any kind, saying to you, "Drink, my child?" Now, I wish to say to you girls, never be guilty of such practices when you become mothers. Never, when you sit down at the table to drink strong tea, perhaps as a stimulant when you are fatigued, give it to your child. I see this practice almost daily, or occasionally, at least, in this as well as other communities. Keep the tea, the coffee, and the spirits from the mouths of your children.
Brigham Young, The Word of Wisdom Especially Suited to Infants and Youth—Privations in Missouri—Necessity of Integrity, and Strife for Excellence—Responsibility of Parents, Journal of Discourses, Volume 2

Who preached it

How often each man raised the subject, and how that compares with his share of the series as a whole. A figure above 1.0 means he returned to it more than the Journal does.

The speakers who raised the Word of Wisdom most

Speaker	Sermons on this	Share of his sermons	vs. Journal average
Brigham Young	62	16%	1.4×
George A. Smith	19	24%	2.1×
George Q. Cannon	17	15%	1.3×
Heber C. Kimball	11	10%	0.9×
John Taylor	11	7%	0.6×
Daniel H. Wells	8	17%	1.5×
Wilford Woodruff	7	11%	0.9×
Ezra T. Benson	4	33%	2.9×
Erastus Snow	4	11%	0.9×
Orson Pratt	3	2%	0.2×
Joseph F. Smith	3	10%	0.9×
Franklin D. Richards	3	15%	1.3×
Orson Hyde	2	4%	0.4×
Brigham Young, Jr	2	29%	2.5×
Moses Thatcher	2	22%	1.9×

Share of his sermons is out of everything he preached in the Journal, so a man with four sermons can show a high share on one subject.

Every sermon, in order

All 165, oldest first. Titles are the Journal's own, which routinely name four or five unrelated subjects in a line — each links to the discourse itself at journalofdiscourses.com.

Volume	Year	Title	Speaker
2	1855	The Word of Wisdom Especially Suited to Infants and Youth—Privations in Missouri—Necessity of Integrity, and Strife for Excellence—Responsibility of Parents	Brigham Young
2	1855	Contentment—Home Manufactures—The Priesthood—Tithing—Gathering—Building Up Zion—Purification	Heber C. Kimball
2	1855	Gathering and Sanctification of the People of God	George A. Smith
2	1855	Preaching and Testimony—Gathering Israel—The Blood of Israel and the Gentiles—The Science of Life	Brigham Young
2	1855	Privileges and Duties of the Saints	Heber C. Kimball
2	1855	The Word of Wisdom	Ezra T. Benson
2	1855	Ordaining Young Men to Office—The Word of Wisdom—Union	George A. Smith
3	1856	Trials of the Saints—Redemption of Zion—Second Coming of Christ—The Word of Wisdom	Orson Pratt
3	1856	The History of Mahomedanism	George A. Smith
3	1856	Salvation—Men Are Damned By Their Misdeeds—Truth—Comprehensiveness of "Mormonism"	Amasa M. Lyman
4	1857	The Holy Ghost Necessary in Preaching—Faith—Healing the Sick—The Saints' Interests Are One—All of Our Efforts Should Tend to the Upbuilding of the Kingdom of God	Brigham Young
4	1857	Overcome the Powers of Darkness By Prayer—Spiritual Things First in Importance—Cleanliness	Jedediah M. Grant
4	1857	The Constitution of the United States Guarantees All We Ask—Hollow Gentility—Power of the "Mormon"Leaders—Government Corruption	Brigham Young
5	1858	Divine Mission of Joseph Smith—Stability of Mormonism—The Saints' Enemies Yet to Come to Them for Succor—Home Manufacture—Distress of Nations	Heber C. Kimball
5	1858	Joseph Smith's Family—Details of George A. Smith's Own Experience, Etc	George A. Smith
6	1859	Union—Light of the Spirit—Capabilities of the Saints to Provide for Their Own Wants, Etc	Heber C. Kimball
6	1859	Liberty, Reform, Etc	Ezra T. Benson
6	1859	Education	Parley P. Pratt
7	1860	Want of Governing Capacities Among Men—Elements of the Sacrament—Apostasy, Etc	Brigham Young
7	1860	Inspiration—Importance of Heeding the Revelations of God, Etc	Heber C. Kimball
7	1860	Trials, Etc	John Taylor
7	1860	Duty of the Saints to Live Their Religion	Brigham Young
7	1860	Greater Responsibilities of Those Who Know the Truth, &c	Heber C. Kimball
7	1860	Providences of God—Privileges and Duties of the Saints—Spiritual Operations and Manifestations—The Spirit World, &c	Brigham Young
7	1860	Devotedness to "Mormonism"—Responsibility	Daniel H. Wells
7	1860	Reorganization of the High Council—Appointment of Young Men to Offices in the Priesthood, &c	Brigham Young
7	1860	Oneness of the Priesthood—Independence of Zion—Time and Eternity—Evil Habits and Practices, &c	Heber C. Kimball
7	1860	Submission to the Divine Will—Eternal Life, &c	Erastus Snow
8	1861	Privileges of the Sabbath—Duty of Living Our Religion—Human Longevity, &c	Brigham Young
8	1861	Privileges of the Saints—Providences of God, &c	Brigham Young
8	1861	Gospel of Salvation, &c	Brigham Young
8	1861	Gospel of Life and Salvation, &c	Brigham Young
8	1861	Light of the Spirit—Laws of Health—Joy in the Gospel, &c	Brigham Young
8	1861	Source of Intelligence—Laws of The Gospel, &c	Brigham Young
8	1861	Evil Habits and Practices, &c	Heber C. Kimball
8	1861	Duties of the Saints—Organization of Element—Economy, Etc	Brigham Young
8	1861	Confession of Faults, &c	Brigham Young
8	1861	Testimony and Religion of the Saints	Ezra T. Benson
9	1862	The Gifts of God—Home Manufactures—Word of Wisdom—Happiness	Brigham Young
9	1862	Submission to Reproof, &c	Heber C. Kimball
9	1862	Prosperity of Zion, &c	George A. Smith
9	1862	Salvation By Works	Heber C. Kimball
9	1862	Building Up the Kingdom of God, &c	Daniel H. Wells
9	1862	Difficulties With Which the Church Has Had to Contend in Its Establishment in Utah	George A. Smith
9	1862	Facilities in Utah for the Comfort and Prosperity of the Saints	Daniel H. Wells
9	1862	Obedience to the Commandments and Revelations of God	Heber C. Kimball
9	1862	Privileges of the Saints, &c	Wilford Woodruff
9	1862	Political Economy	Daniel H. Wells
9	1862	Closing of Amusements—Indulging in Sin Brings Mental Darkness	Brigham Young
9	1862	Propriety of Theatrical Amusements—Instructions Relative to Conducting Them	Brigham Young
9	1862	Power Given to Man to Create	Brigham Young
9	1862	Instructions on Priesthood—Necessity for Diligence Among the Saints	Daniel H. Wells
9	1862	Necessity of the Living Oracles Among the Saints—Exhortation to Obedience to Counsel	Wilford Woodruff
9	1862	Variety of Gifts—Exhortation to Cultivate a Spirit of Contentment	George A. Smith
10	1865	Vastness of the Wisdom and Intelligence of God—Impotency of Man to Govern Righteously	John Taylor
10	1865	Authority of Bishops—Branch Organizations—Assisting the Mail and Telegraph Companies	Brigham Young
10	1865	Building the Temple and a New Tabernacle—Labor Tithing—Call for Faithful Laborers	Daniel H. Wells
10	1865	Home Manufactures—The Necessity of Greater Attention to Them—Tithing	Brigham Young
10	1865	Instruction to the Latter-Day Saints, in the Settlements South of Great Salt Lake City	Brigham Young
10	1865	Advice to California Emigrants—The Principles of the Gospel, Etc	Brigham Young
10	1865	The Intended Trip North—The Causes of the Scarcity of Breadstuff—The Sufferings of the Ungodly in the United States—The Popularity of the Gospel Undesirable	Brigham Young
10	1865	Necessity of Continued and Faithful Labor—Kingly Nature of the Priesthood—Power Attainable Through It—Condition of the Nations Contrasted With that of the Saints—Future Glory and Greatness of the Kingdom of God	Brigham Young
10	1865	Temporal and Spiritual Duties of the Saints—Benefits Resulting From Proper Parental Authority—Connection Betwixt Temporal and Spiritual Things—Character of Joseph the Prophet—All Blessings From the Lord	Brigham Young
11	1867	Summary of Instructions	Brigham Young
11	1867	Home Manufacturing, Merchandising, and General Economy	Brigham Young
11	1867	The Complete Difference Between the Saints and the World	John Taylor
11	1867	The Elders to Labor for the Unity of the Saints	Brigham Young
11	1867	How the Sisters Can Help to Build Up the Kingdom	Brigham Young
11	1867	Raising Flax and Wool—Home Manufactures—Church Literature—Folly of Using Tobacco and Liquor	George A. Smith
11	1867	Word of Wisdom—Happiness to Be Obtained Only Through Obedience	Ezra T. Benson
11	1867	Necessity of Unity in Faith and Practice	Wilford Woodruff
12	1869	Prosperity of Southern Utah	George A. Smith
12	1869	The Pleasure and Trials of Missionary Labors—Improvement in the South—Every Gospel Principle Righteous and Essential	Wilford Woodruff
12	1869	Necessity of Union and Obedience to Counsel	George Q. Cannon
12	1869	The Word of Wisdom	Brigham Young
12	1869	General Instructions to Missionaries Going Abroad	Brigham Young
12	1869	Remarks on Revelation, Missionary Fund, Word of Wisdom, Etc	George Q. Cannon
12	1869	Trip to Southern Utah—The Works and Faith of the Saints	John Taylor
12	1869	Our Delegate to Congress—The Word of Wisdom—The Union Pacific Railroad—Spiritual Ignorance of Popular Preachers	Brigham Young
12	1869	The Witness of the Spirit—Bishops Should Be Examples—The Saints not Ignorant	Brigham Young
12	1869	The Word of Wisdom—Degeneracy—Wickedness in the United States—How to Prolong Life	Brigham Young
12	1869	Good Spirit of the People South	John Taylor
12	1869	Education—Phonetics—Storing Up Grain—Home Manufactures	George A. Smith
12	1869	Proneness of Mankind to go Astray	George A. Smith
12	1869	Liberty of the Saints—Why They Are Gathered—Object of the "Word of Wisdom."	Brigham Young
12	1869	School of The Prophets—Improvement of Provo City—Litigation—Injudicious Trading	Brigham Young
12	1869	Life and Health—Matrimony—Education—Home Productions	Erastus Snow
12	1869	Necessity of Obeying Counsel—Reformation in Eating and Drinking—Improvements—Female Relief Societies—Chastity	Brigham Young
12	1869	Importance of Observing the Sabbath Day—Emigration of the Poor—Fish Culture—Producing Silk	George A. Smith
12	1869	The True Church of Christ—the Living Testimony—Word of Wisdom	Brigham Young
12	1869	Evidences that the Saints Love and Serve God—How to Build Up Zion—Taking Care of Grain	Brigham Young
12	1869	Word of Wisdom—Fish Culture—Dietetics	George Q. Cannon
12	1869	Preaching the Gospel—Disobedience and Persecution—Exclusiveness—The Search After Happiness	Brigham Young
13	1871	Responsibility for Teachings—The Word of Wisdom—Cooperation, Etc	Brigham Young
13	1871	Contributions for Emigrating the Saints—Word of Wisdom	George A. Smith
13	1871	Cooperation—Merchandising and Productive Businesses—Doing the Lord's Will	Daniel H. Wells
13	1871	Gathering the Saints—Continuous Faithfulness—Women and Fashions	Brigham Young
13	1871	The Order of Enoch—Socialistic Experiments—The Social Problem	George Q. Cannon
13	1871	Building Up Zion—Temperance in Eating and Drinking	Brigham Young
13	1871	The Word of Wisdom—Spiritualism	Brigham Young
13	1871	Gathering the Poor—Religion a Science	Brigham Young
13	1871	The Gospel and the Things of the World—Consistency—Works As Well As Faith—The Word of Wisdom	Joseph F. Smith
13	1871	Proper Conduct in Meeting	Brigham Young
13	1871	Punctual Payment of Debts	Orson Hyde
14	1872	The Fashions of the World—Making Our Own Clothing & Fashions	Brigham Young
14	1872	The Work of God—Authority of President Young—Keeping the Commandments of God	Wilford Woodruff
14	1872	Character and Condition of the Latter-Day Saints—Infidelity—The Atonement—Celestial Marriage	Brigham Young
14	1872	The Training of Children	Brigham Young
14	1872	The Lord's Supper—Historical Reminiscences—The Puritans	George A. Smith
14	1872	Temperance	Brigham Young
14	1872	Our Religion From God not Man—Enter not Into Temptation—No Covenants to Forsake	John Taylor
14	1872	No Time to Do Wrong—Save the Children	Joseph F. Smith
15	1873	Patriarchal Marriage—The Settlement of Utah	George A. Smith
15	1873	Riches—Hurry—Fashion—Helping The Poor—Mysteries	Brigham Young
15	1873	Saints Should Sustain Themselves—Keep the Commandments—Abuses—Power of Righteous Combination of Labor	Brigham Young
15	1873	Testimony—Search the Scriptures—Word of Wisdom	Brigham Young, Jr
15	1873	Zion—The Duty of Its Citizens—Testimony	Erastus Snow
15	1873	Gathering—Its Spirit—Its Object—Duties of the Gathered Saints	George Q. Cannon
15	1873	The Order of Enoch	Brigham Young
15	1873	Latter-Day Judgments	Orson Pratt
16	1874	Extension of the Utah Northern Railroad—The Building of the Meetinghouse and Other Public Improvements Urged on the People—Faith Made Manifest By Works—Unity in Labor and Cooperation in All Things Pertaining to the Kingdom—Labor Builds Up the Kingdom—Number of Those in the Congregation Acquainted With the Prophet Joseph—Early Experience in the Church—Rewards Will Follow Obedience—Object of the Law of Tithing—Serves the Lord Because of the Pur	Brigham Young
16	1874	Continued Obedience to the Laws of God is Necessary to Insure a Complete Salvation to the Latter-Day Saints—The Disobedience of Ancient Israel is Shown As a Warning to the Present Generation of His People—The Nature and Necessity of the Law of Tithing—The Fewness of Those Who Faithfully Observe that Law	Brigham Young
16	1874	Purpose of God in Creating Man—Man's Agency—Duties of Those Who Have Entered Into Covenant With God—Reward of Faithfulness—Work to Be Accomplished Before the Second Coming of Jesus—Avoid Evil Associations	Daniel H. Wells
16	1874	The Word of Wisdom—Education	George A. Smith
16	1874	Means Required to Build the Temples—The Word of Wisdom—Unity Needed in Building Up Zion—Sabbath Schools—Journeyings in the Holy Land	George A. Smith
17	1875	Living Faith in God—The Providences of the Almighty in Behalf of His People—Lay Up Treasures in Heaven—The Meek to Inherit the Earth—The Word of Wisdom	Orson Hyde
17	1875	Prayer Must Be Remembered in Families—Elders to Be Sent on Missions—Building Temples—Temples Necessary to Salvation—Home Manufactures—The United Order	George A. Smith
17	1875	Faith Without Works is Dead—Pray to God—Keep the Sabbath Day Holy—Encourage Sunday Schools	George A. Smith
17	1875	Congress and the Saints—Efficacy of Prayer—Strength of Character Necessary—The True Church—Gathering to the Mountains	George Q. Cannon
18	1877	There is Cause for Rejoicing—The Hand of Divine Providence Over the Saints—Pleased With Being a Territory—Maintain the Right—Be True to Principle	George Q. Cannon
18	1877	Present Revelation Necessary to Lead the Church—The Apostleship—Present Revelation Necessary for All—Evils of Waste, Intemperance, and Extravagance—True Reformation is to Cease From Doing Evil	Brigham Young
18	1877	Self Preservation—United Order—Individual Stewardships—Home Manufactures	George Q. Cannon
18	1877	Personal Revelation the Basis of Personal Knowledge—Philosophic View of Creation—Apostasy Involves Disorganization and Return to Primitive Element—One Man Power	Brigham Young
18	1877	The Lord Rules—The Hand of God in Persecution—The Gospel Embraces All Truth—No Need of Worry, the Lord Will Deal Out Justice—Joseph Slain for the Gospel—The Dissatisfied Will Be Satisfied—Full of Blessing	Brigham Young
19	1878	Enjoyment in the South—the Blessings of a Temple—Need of Chastisement—the Redemption of the Earth—the Christian World Concerned in Regard to the Priesthood—Those Who Persecute Will Be Visited—the Ten Virgins—the Wise Will Understand	Brigham Young
19	1878	Relief Societies—Talk to Mothers—Improvement Societies—Domestic Matters—Training Children—Home Production—Silk Interests	Brigham Young
19	1878	Blessing the Result of Obedience to Law—Our Agency in the Flesh—The Advantages of Union—Order in the Kingdom of God—The Eternal Warfare Between Good and Evil	Charles C. Rich
20	1880	Ideas Held By the Latter-day Saints Winning Their Way—Territorial Prosperity—"Mormonism" Not Favored of the Government—Latter-Day Saints to Save the Government—Good Counsel on Many Points	George Q. Cannon
20	1880	Gratifying Political and General Material Condition of the Saints—Employment for the Poor—Enemies Foiled—Plural Marriage	George Q. Cannon
20	1880	Blessings of the Gospel Only Obtained By Compliance With the Law	Lorenzo Snow
20	1880	Necessity of Revelation—Evidences of the Church of Christ—The Future of the Saints—Plural Marriage	George Q. Cannon
20	1880	Progress of the Work of God—Introduction of Evils By the World—Unconstitutional Inimical Measures—Plural Marriage Not Criminal—Intolerance Denounced	Orson Pratt
20	1880	The Righteous Suffer Persecution—False Teachers Popular—Saints Should not Retaliate Upon Their Enemies—The Saints Will Have Power to Root Out Evil—Approaching Revolution in the Earth	George Q. Cannon
21	1881	Opposition to the Work of God, Etc	John Taylor
22	1882	The Persecutions of the Ancient Saints—The Organization of the Church in Our Day—Necessity of Obedience to the Laws of the Gospel, Etc	Joseph F. Smith
22	1882	Office of the Holy Spirit—Equality Produced By the Gospel—The Evil of Class Distinctions—Danger of Worldly-Mindedness—Riches Alone not Productive of True Happiness—A Contrite Heart Necessary—Should Be An Increase of Spiritual Gifts—Word of Wisdom—The Return to Jackson County	George Q. Cannon
22	1882	The Saints Have Cause to Rejoice—Their Labors and Future	Wilford Woodruff
22	1882	The Church Governed By Law, Etc	John Nicholson
22	1882	The Priesthood, Its Organization, Etc	John Taylor
22	1882	The Responsibility to Preach the Gospel, Etc	Wilford Woodruff
22	1882	The Character of God's Work—True Riches—Our Responsibilities, Etc	Francis M. Lyman
22	1882	Reports Concerning the Saints, Their Prosperity the Result of Prayer and Faithfulness, Etc	George Q. Cannon
22	1882	The Priesthood—God's Love for the Human Family, Etc	John Taylor
22	1882	The Saints a Peculiar People—Their Religion Practical—Sustaining Each Other—Honesty in Trade—The Blessing of God on the Faithful, Etc	George Q. Cannon
22	1882	The Position of the Latter-Day Saints—Morality and Sobriety Required—Transgressors to Be Dealt With, Etc	John Taylor
23	1883	The Temple at Logan—The Liquor Traffic—Church Organization—Duties of Its Officers—Treatment of Transgressors—An Interesting Anecdote and Its Moral—Various Offices and Callings of the Priesthood, Etc.—The Guidance of God—Honor Due to His Priesthood—Growth and Progress of God's Work—Its Opposition By the World—The Regeneration of the Lamanites and General Salvation of Man	John Taylor
24	1884	Synopsis of a Temperance Lecture, Prohibition Advocated—Effects of Drunkenness Illustrated, Statistics, Etc	Moses Thatcher
24	1884	A Comparison—Wrath of Man Made to Praise God—Fall of Senator Edmunds—Fate of Those Who Oppose God's Work—Persecution for Religion Unavailing—Case of the Huguenots—Intemperance—Startling Statistics—Drink, the Cause of Other Evils—Appeal to the Saints	Moses Thatcher
24	1884	Blessings Enjoyed By the Saints—Improvement—A Perfect Law—What Would Result If the Saints Obeyed the Word of God in All Things—Perfect Organization of the Church—No Excuse for the Saints Who Sin—How Satan Can Be Bound—Exemption From Disease As a Reward—Exhortation	George Q. Cannon
24	1884	Retrospective Review of the Providences of God in Relation to the Saints—The Wrath and Schemes of Men Turned to the Advantage of God's People—The Order of God's Church Perfect—The Wicked Disturbed By Judgments, While The Righteous Enjoy Peace—The Administration of the Law of God in Relation to Offenses—Should Be Resigned to The Will of God in All Things	Franklin D. Richards
24	1884	Occasion for Gratitude—The Rising Generation—Latter-Day Saints Should Sanctify Themselves—Growth of the Kingdom of God—Prosperity of Logan and Cache County—The Introduction of Saloons: A Remedy to Prevent Their Extension—A Time of Peace—Who Are Preached of Righteousness—The Temple: How It May Speedily be Finished—Spreading the Gospel—Gathering of the Jews to Jerusalem—Exhortation to Faithfulness—The Reward of the Righteous	Franklin D. Richards
25	1885	Present Revelation—Work Required of the Priesthood—Improvement Among the People—More Improvement Necessary—Faith in the Ordinances Required—Design of God in Relation to the Children of the Saints	Erastus Snow
25	1885	Uniting of Temporal Interests—Not An Obsolete Principle—Improvement Among the Saints—Need of Being More Self-Sustaining—Works to Be Accomplished	Brigham Young, Jr
25	1885	The Saints Will Triumph Through Faithfulness—Warfare of Satan to Continue—Joseph's Predictions that the Government Would Be Arrayed Against the Saints, Fulfilled—Internal Strife to Dismember the Government—God the Friend of His People	George Q. Cannon
26	1886	Present Conditions—The Hatred of the World Toward the Saints—Why the Leaders of the Church Are Attacked—The Purpose of Persecution—The Saints Need not Be Afflicted or Worried About the Present State of Affairs—The Sifting Process—The Epistle of the First Presidency—Work of God Always Met With Opposition—The Gospel Revealed in this Day Was the Gospel that Was Revealed to Adam—More Revelation to Be Given—Saints Must not Borrow Trouble&mda	Franklin D. Richards

Ask MormonGPT about the Word of Wisdom

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What did Brigham Young teach about the Word of Wisdom in the Journal of Discourses? How did preaching on the Word of Wisdom change between 1855 and 1886? Which Journal of Discourses sermons discuss the Word of Wisdom? Summarise what the Journal of Discourses says about the Word of Wisdom.

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The Journal of Discourses 26 volumes of sermons, 1854–1886: how they were recorded, who preached them, and whether they are doctrine.
Brigham Young in the Journal of Discourses The man who raised this subject most, with all 388 of his sermons.
Journal of Discourses, Volume 12 The volume that carries the subject hardest, 1869.