The Ministry of Health and Healing

Temperance and Self-Control

The carefulness with which the mother should guard her habits of life is taught in the Scriptures. When the Lord would raise up Samson as a deliverer for Israel, the angel of the Lord appeared to the mother, with special instruction concerning her habits, and also for the treatment of her child. “‘Now drink no wine or similar drink, nor eat anything unclean,’” he said. Judges 13:13, 7. MHH 211.1

Many parents look upon the effect of prenatal influences as a matter of little importance, but Heaven does not so regard it. The message sent by an angel of God, and twice given in the most solemn manner, shows it to be deserving of our most careful thought. MHH 211.2

In the words spoken to the Hebrew mother, God speaks to all mothers in every age. “Let her be careful,” the angel said; “All that I commanded her let her observe.” The well-being of the child will be affected by the habits of the mother. Her appetites and passions are to be controlled by principle. There is something for her to shun, something for her to work against, if she fulfills God’s purpose for her in giving her a child. If before the birth of her child she is self-indulgent, if she is selfish, impatient, and exacting, these traits will be reflected in the disposition of the child. Thus many children have received as a birthright almost unconquerable tendencies to evil. MHH 211.3

But if the mother unswervingly adheres to right principles, if she is temperate and self-denying, if she is kind, gentle, and unselfish, she may give her child these same precious traits of character. Very explicit was the command prohibiting the use of wine by the mother. Every drop of strong drink taken by her to gratify appetite endangers the physical, mental, and moral health of her child, and is a direct sin against her Creator. MHH 211.4

Many advisers urge that every wish of the mother be gratified; that if she desires any article of food, however harmful, she should freely indulge her appetite. Such advice is false and mischievous. In no case should the mother’s physical needs be neglected. Two lives are depending upon her; her wishes should be tenderly regarded, her needs generously supplied. But at this time above all others she should avoid, in diet and in every other line, whatever would lessen physical or mental strength. By the command of God Himself she is placed under the most solemn obligation to exercise self-control. MHH 211.5