By OLUMOFIN Kehinde Benjamin

SPIRITUAL GIFT OF THE WORD OF WISDOM

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;                          

It is the first spiritual gifts listed among other gifts.

Definition of Terms:

1. GIFT – Already defined in the part 1 of the Introductory lectures

2. WORD – Verbal. Speech. Talk etc.

3. WISDOM

It is the correct use of knowledge. That is, using what you know correctly in order to achieve a goal.

Using knowledge correctly so as to have an edge above the norms (the average). Norm mean normal expectations, normal ways of doing things….the average expectation. Wisdom takes you far above the average. For the purpose of this class, we shall be considering wisdom as a virtue, and the words of wisdom as a spiritual gift.

WISDOM AS A VIRTUE

Where there is no wisdom beauty will be despised. Where no wisdom is, affections won’t be appreciated. Feelings can be rubbish, and undervalued. Wisdom will make people appreciate you, appreciate your values and respect you.

Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments:

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Wisdom will make people love your person. Personal wisdom will make people appreciate, value and embrace your rules, personal do’s and don’ts. Wisdom will attract people to you from far and near like Queen of Sheba and many others were attracted to the Wisdom of Solomon. Wisdom can help you build a lasting and expansive network of investments, riches and wealth.

The queen of the south shall…came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. (Matthew 12:42; samewas repeated in Luke 11:31).

Wisdom is key to successful human relationship. All relationships, marital, between parents and children, friendships, work related etc… All relationships strives well on wisdom. No matter how beautiful a woman is, once wisdom is lacking, she become ugly to her husband and others around her, even her children will despise her over time. No matter the amount of riches a man’s is blessed with, once he lack relational wisdom, he will only surround himself with sycophants who are only interested in his money and not for his general good. Lack of wisdom attract hatred from others.

Job 28:18 No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.

Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.  

Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Wisdom is obvious in the way people behaves, in their characters, in their manner of talking, in their ideas on important and minor issues of life, in their response to discussions, opinions on matters, personal discourse and in every area of life, especially in keeping, and managing vital relationships. Married people need wisdom to relate well and keep their family going, robustly engaging each other in manner that promote mutual joy and happiness.

Proverbs 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. 

Money can buy many things, do many things, but only wisdom can keep a marriage together and established a home.  

Proverbs 24:3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

Many married people erroneously believe that if money increase, it will fetch them more respect from their spouses and in-laws but as they acquired more money, so are their disappointments. Money is good, but wisdom gives life to those who are blessed by it. Money in the hand of fool will ensure pride and destructions of vital relationships.

Proverbs 16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! 

Proverbs 19:8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

Parenting is made better with wisdom. Wise parents makes better and well behaves children.

Proverbs 12:8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom:

SIGNS OF LACK OF WISDOM

Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.  

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

These signs include pride, stubbornness, rigidness and unwilling to change in the face of convincing evidence that point otherwise, self-will, believe in personal perfection above others, believing your believe system and doctrine is better than others and using such as a basis of relating with them and so despise or look down on them as though you are better than them. Having a superiority complex. Wisdom flourish on the foundation of humility. Wisdom can be corrupted with pride, self and ego. Wisdom prosper with more knowledge and revelation with understanding.

SPIRITUAL GIFT OF THE WORDS OF WISDOM

In other word, gift of verbal wisdom.

All I have described prior to now is general wisdom and then there is what the Bible called the spiritual gift of the Word of Wisdom in verse 8 of our text, 1 Corinthians 12. This is what Jesus was referring to when He said, greater than Solomon is here. This level of wisdom is higher than the general wisdom I first described. This wisdom is spiritual, it is comes by revelation, it is the wisdom of the ages, it is Divine, and it’s a gift to those who are blessed with it.

It is distinct from the general wisdom that is expected all humans should possessed, believer in particular. But the gift of the Word of Wisdom is not for everybody, but the few that are blessed by it. Unlike general wisdom that is applicable and can be seen in all area of life, Gift of Wisdom is a speech gift, it only manifest in words and when speaking strictly on matters that affect and will promote the Kingdom of God, e.g. during preaching, answering Bible questions, and getting involved in gospel related discussion.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE GIFT OF THE WORD OF WISDOM

1. When you have uncommon insights into the Word of God and are able to explain the mystery (hidden treasure) of the Word with uncommon grace.

Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:  

Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  

Unlike general wisdom previous talked about, which can be influenced, sharpened and made better by education and exposures, spiritual gift of the word of wisdom comes directly from God Himself. It is a gift of speech that guarantee correct and direct utterance from God to the lives of the hearer. Gift of the word of wisdom is never influenced by ones level of education and exposures but rather by inspirations from God as at the time one is speaking in defense or in advancement of the Gospel of |Jesus Christ.

2. When your words during preaching answers the questions in peoples mind even without them verbally asking the questions.

And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say. (Luk 12:11-12)

Colossians 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  

3. When your words gives comfort and encouragement to the discouraged, hurting and minds that are in distress during your ministration.

4. When you can comfortably answer most Bible based questions with grace and understanding that’s beyond human wisdom.

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (Col 4:6)

5. When your words are characterized with humility and peace in the mind of the hearer.

6. When you are given the right word to silence the gainsaying of men and the arrogant words of those who opposed God and His Word. David before Goliath, Peter, Paul and Silas and Stephen before the Council of Elders.

7. etc., etc.

HOW TO COVET AND OR ACTIVATE THE GIFT?

1. You can covet and or activate the gift of words by thirsting for the gift beyond the ordinary thirst of most believers.

Psalms 42:1  As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

2. Seek to know and study the Word of God very deeply.

2 Tim 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

James 3:17  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

3. Seek spiritual knowledge by reading Christian literatures and read widely, a little here, a little there on every aspect of the human life and endeavors.

2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

4. Humility and prayers.

5. Find opportunity to talk about the Kingdom matters to others. The gift of the word of wisdom is a speech gift. Unless you constantly find opportunity to express yourself verbally, talking and preaching the gospel, you can never fully display this gift, even if you have it. Acts 2:40-41

6. Your words will be hard to resist whenever you speak about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Stephen words cuts through the hearts of the hearer in Acts 7: 54, 57.

Luke 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Luke 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Acts 6:10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

Preaching that are based on general wisdom are rarely able to convict, correct, rebukes and help the spirits of the hearer.

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.