Word of Wisdom

This supernatural vocal gift transcends any human genius, or insight and often operates in combination with prophecy (speaking God’s heart and intentions to people) and the word of knowledge (God revealing something about a person or current situation that is unknown to the person bringing the word). The word of wisdom reveals how God wants to deal with the situation and surpasses human wisdom. These and the various other gifts of the Spirit are given for the benefit of the believers (1 Cor 12:7,8). However, today we have the complete Scriptures and thus more already revealed godly wisdom available and so there may be less of a need for a direct message from God into a given situation, consequently the responsibility now is on us to know and apply what the Bible says.

Wisdom is applying knowledge with skill, instinctively recognizing the truth and acting for the best in any given situation. Godly wisdom is the highest kind of wisdom; it comes not so much from human thought as from communion with God.

Examples from Scripture include:

Solomon exercised Godly wisdom regarding a child, that was claimed by two mothers. His judgment caused all Israel to "see that he had wisdom from God to administer justice" (1 Kgs 3:16-28).

Two men both heard the same words of Jesus. The wise man rightly applied the truth while the fool ignored them with devastating consequences (Mt 7:24-27). The word of wisdom still powerfully comes from the Bible and from the mouth of Jesus. Let's make sure we are listening and acting accordingly!

Peter, probably through a word of knowledge confronted Ananias about deception and lying to the Holy Spirit. Later using wisdom, he did not accuse Sapphira but allowed her to condemn herself (Act 5:1-16). Wisdom is needed so the right application of knowledge can be ministered in the most appropriate way and have its fullest impact.

The word of knowledge enables “the deep things of God” to be explained for in His dealings with humanity much is mysterious, and the person filled by the Spirit to fulfil this ministry is given the word of wisdom that will throw light the various situations (1 Cor 2:9-16). Thus this gift describes someone who can understand and with discernment speak out biblical truth in such a way as to skilfully apply it to life situations.