 | Dear Gramps, Thank you for the enlightenment you offered on the Word of Wisdom. Speaking of the Word of Wisdom, I have another question for you. In verse 17, where it says, "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," what exactly does this mean? It seems to me that we're told that wheat to eat and barley for mild drinks are best for us " . . . all grains are good for the food of man . . . nevertheless (except) wheat for man, and corn for the ox . . ." etc. Are these other grains mentioned not good for us? Also rice and millet are just a few grains that aren't mentioned at all, and it seems to me that these would be part of "all grains" that are good for man because we don't see an "exception" made for them. Am I way off? I've always wanted to know what was meant by all of this. Thanks, Gramps. Katie, @mormontown.org |
Dear Katie,
I'm as curious as you are! Nevertheless, I wouldn't suggest that the "other grains
[that are] mentioned [are] not good for us," because in verse 14 we are told that
"all grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts," and in verse 16 that
"all grain is good for the food of man." Brigham Young, in 1863, told the
people, "Sixteen years ago, when we were camped upon this temple block, I told the
people that there existed, in the elements around us in these mountain regions, wheat,
corn, rye, oats, barley, flax, hemp, silk and every element for producing the necessary
articles used by man for food, raiment and shelter" (Journal of Discourses, Vol.10,
p.201),
I know of no nutritional reason why one grain would be more appropriate for man and others
for various animals. I do know that the revelation came from the Lord and that He is not
capricious. The Lord has his reasons for the preference, but He indicates than none of the
grains should be excluded from the diets of either man or animals. Perhaps some
nutritionist who reads this column could shed more light on the subject.
Gramps