Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15–16). One of the most controversial “fruits” of Joseph Smith’s ministry is his practice of polygamy. Historical records and LDS sources indicate Smith married at least 34 women, including a mother-daughter pair and four sets of sisters, violating clear biblical commands (Leviticus 18:6–18; 20:10–21). He married women as young as 14, took wives who already had living husbands, and acted against his own revelation (D&C 132:61) by marrying secretly, without the knowledge or consent of his first wife, Emma.
Some Mormon apologists defend Smith by citing Old Testament figures like Abraham or Jacob, who had multiple wives. However, Scripture never presents polygamy as God’s ideal. In fact, God’s law forbade the very types of unions Joseph Smith entered, and polygamous relationships in the Old Testament often led to conflict, jealousy, and tragedy (Genesis 16; 1 Kings 11:3). In the New Testament, God clarifies His standard for church leaders and marriage: “an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife” (1 Timothy 3:2) and “Let marriage be held in honor among all” (Hebrews 13:4), emphasizing monogamous fidelity.
This video examines whether Joseph Smith’s actions reflected obedience to God or pursuit of personal desires. By testing the fruit of his ministry against God’s Word, viewers can see the contrast between divine commands and the controversial practices Joseph Smith adopted.
References: Matthew 7:15–16; Leviticus 18:6–18; Leviticus 20:10–21; 1 Timothy 3:2; Hebrews 13:4; Genesis 16; 1 Kings 11:3.
