Word of Wisdom

Definition:

A supernatural ability the Holy Spirit gives believers at certain times to speak divinely inspired words about a given issue or circumstance for the purpose of providing insight, interpretation, counsel and guidance. Reveals the mind of God concerning a specific life situation and rightly applies appropriate knowledge to it. Can be found in inspired preaching, teaching and words of personal revelation.

Biblical References:

• 1 Corinthians 2:1-10
• 1 Corinthians 12:8
• Matthew 10:18-20
• 2 Peter 2:15

Gift Characteristics:

Must be spoken to be valid.... Scripture calls a word of wisdom logos sophia, which means divine rhetoric. Like other spiritual gifts it is given to the Church by the Holy Spirit for "the common good". This gift's primary purpose is to edify the person(s) to whom the words are being directed. But this cannot occur unless first communicated by the person who has received the revelation. The Holy Spirit does not impart a word of wisdom for our personal benefit (to make us spiritually wise or provide us with special insight). If someone does not speak forth the revelation that is being given to them, the purpose for the gift is unfulfilled, and the opportunity for confirmation and mutual blessing of sensing God's presence is missed.

Is temporary in the speaker.... A word of wisdom is momentary and limited insight into a given situation. It provides the recipient with just enough revelation to deal with the need at hand. Those who are used by the Lord to give a word of wisdom may or may not have natural wisdom, or be spiritually mature people. Their personal ability to be discerning is not fundamentally important because this gift is not dependent on them. It is divine counsel from the mind of God.

Always comes as direct revelation.... The Holy Spirit manifests a word of wisdom by giving someone a direct revelation about a given situation. This is a supernatural demonstration of God's power and it differs from the kind of spiritual wisdom that can be develop and cultivated through active Christian discipleship. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we are admonished to seek out wisdom, and become wise and discerning in our ways. As it develops in us, this form of wisdom becomes a permanent part of us and is subject to our control and exercise of it. Spiritually wise people can be of great blessing to others and provide excellent counsel and advice. But it is not the same thing as supernatural revelation that is given by the Holy Spirit.

Involves public or private revelation.... The use of this gift in Scripture occurs in a number of different circumstances. Paul mentions divine wisdom being manifested in his preaching of Christ (1 Cor. 2:1-10) and in his teachings to other believers (2 Pet. 3:15). There are also examples of private revelations being given to specific individuals for guidance and counsel (Dan. 2:23; Acts 7:51).