WORD OF WISDOM

 

8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit.

 

1.      Paul is talking about the Word or Utterance of Knowledge. 

2.      The definition of Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.  It is application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment.  It can also be the sum of a society’s information and knowledge.

3.      In the Jewish thought is the ability tor skill to reveal and teach the law and the prophets.  The same application would apply today to the New Testament.

4.      There are three types of wisdom. 

 

a.      Demonic.  It is based on accusation, temptation, and deception.  The motive is to rob, kill, and destroy.   It is based on corruption and pride, fear, and the desire to get worship no matter how.

b.      Worldly and intellectual wisdom.  It is rooted in envy and selfish ambition.  This is the root of intellectual, worldly, and demonic wisdom.  It leads to chaos, confusion, and every evil practice.

c.      Godly wisdom is heavenly in origin.  James in James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.  This is what Solomon and Jesus demonstrated to perfection.

 

The Word of Wisdom is not learned information, human genius, or philosophy.

 

1.      The Word of Wisdom is Supernatural Wisdom given in a moment of time to be able to interpret and apply what is being revealed through the companion gifts of knowledge and discernment. 

2.      The Word of Wisdom has been defined like this.  It is a spiritual gift.  The function that this gift is given varies. Some Christians see in this gift a prophetic-like function. Others see in the word of wisdom a teaching function. This gift is closely related with the gift of the word of knowledge.  This wisdom relates to that which God had previously hidden and destined for the glory of believers. It is a wisdom that speaks of those things that God has prepared for those who love him.   The word of wisdom involves insight into God's plan of salvation and the proclamation of Christ crucified.

3.      Commentators have noted both a prophetic and a teaching character to the word of wisdom. Among Charismatics, the gift is often defined as a revelation of the Holy Spirit that applies scriptural wisdom to a specific situation that a Christian community faces.  Donald Gee, "One is deeply conscious that the supremely right thing has been said and the true course of action indicated. No further appeal is desired because the heart rests in a calm satisfaction that the will of God has been revealed.”

4.      it as "the grace of propounding the Faith effectively, of bringing home to the minds and hearts of the listener with Divine persuasiveness, the hidden mysteries and the moral precepts of Christianity".  Donald Gee writes:  there ofttimes comes shining forth a revelation in words that make our hearts burn within us. Many of us have experienced the holy awe and the thrilling exaltation of spirit that accompanies a ministry of the spiritual gift of the word of wisdom on these lines. We have recognized once again 'not the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches.' And with the recognition has come a deep thankfulness that these glorious ministrations of the Spirit are still active in the church.

 

How the Word of Wisdom is applied.

 

1.      In persecution.  Stephen was filled with wisdom and faith.  He used it to confront the leaders and teachers of the day.  Jesus used it to perfection when dealing with his accusers.

2.      Used to defend the truth.  Jesus used it numerous times.  Then some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” But after that they dared not question Him anymore (Luke 20:39, 40

3.      The Word of Wisdom can be used in problem solving.  It can also be used in solving difficult problems. When the apostles were distracted from preaching the gospel because of business matters they chose certain believers to help them as administrators.

4.      The Word of wisdom can be used to deal with those outside the church.  Paul wrote the following to the Colossians.  Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time (Colossians 4:5

5.      The Word of wisdom can be used in everyday life.  When problems arise, we are told to ask for wisdom. James wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (James 1:5.  God will grant us wisdom on how to live a consistent life, glorifying Him.

6.      The Word of Wisdom is often used in interpreting and imparting God’s truth Skilfully.

7.      The Word of Wisdom was used in the supreme way in the life of Jesus.  When the religious leaders attempted to trick Him by their questions His wisdom left them speechless.

And as he said this, all his opponents were being humiliated; and the entire multitude was rejoicing over all the glorious things being done by Him (Luke 13:17 .  Luke also wrote and they could make no reply to this (Luke 14:6.

 

Last thought

 

     Wisdom is not the same as knowledge. The gift of the word of wisdom is the application of knowledge. While all Christians are commanded to ask God for wisdom there is a special gift of wisdom that God gives to certain of His people. Jesus Christ possessed this gift in a supreme way.  Jesus used this gift to get to the heart of the m atter.  With the rich young ruler it was wealth, with Nicodemus it was pride and with the Samaritan woman it was relationships.