The Word of Wisdom is a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith as a response to an inquiry. Brigham Young (second president of the Church) related some of the circumstances leading up to the reception of the revelation: At first this revelation was not given as a commandment. An introduction was added describing it as "a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints." (Doctrine and Covenants 89:3) This allowed time for Church members to adjust to the principles contained in the revelation.