In my last blog, “Gifts of the Holy Spirit,” I did a quick overview of the gifts listed in 1 Cor:12. It is time to begin a more in-depth look at each one, beginning with the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge. Let’s start with a brief recap of those two gifts for anyone who missed the first blog or needs a refresher.
Message (Word) of Wisdom and Knowledge
Message of Wisdom: Most people call this gift a word of wisdom. To better understand, I used the NIV concordance, which only works if I use the NIV scriptures. The NIV calls this a “message” instead of a “word.”
The word message comes from the Greek word logos. Logos means word, spoken or written, often focusing on the content of a communication. Wisdom is the word Sophia in Greek. It signifies wisdom that is either secular or divine and works in conjunction with Sophos, which means wise, expert, or skilled.
Message of Knowledge: Many people call it a word of knowledge, and again, the word is logos. Strong defines knowledge as gnosis, which means knowledge and understanding. If we put the two words together, the definition is; a spoken or written word that comes through a person’s understanding. It is essential to recognize that this knowledge comes through Holy Spirit, which is why it is on the gift list!
Old Testament
It appears that the scriptures lack the acknowledgment of these gifts. But that is not so. Words of wisdom and knowledge work together and undergird many other gifts – especially teaching. The scriptures do not usually mention these two gifts by name, but they are at work.
I will begin the journey in the Old Testament, of course! In the book of Exodus, God gave Moses instructions for building the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony with the atonement cover, and accessories: pure gold lampstands, the altars of incense, and burnt offerings along with its utensils and basin. Also, he was given the patterns for the priestly garments of Aaron and his sons. In other words, Moses received a message of knowledge. God told him exactly how he wanted these items made. (See Exodus chapters 25-30)
Although God chose to impart this knowledge to Moses, the wisdom for this task fell to others:
Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you…(Exodus 31: 1-6 NIV)
God provided Bezalel with the Spirit of God, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. He was also an artistically skilled craftsman as were Ahisamak and several others. He certainly needed them to achieve the assignment at hand.
The New Testament
In the New Testament, I found one place that mentions the gift by name. 1 Corinthians 2: 6-8 states:
We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Paul explained to the people of Corinth that he was speaking a word of wisdom acquired from God. This message was for those who were spiritually mature enough to understand:
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. (NIV)
Holy Spirit released knowledge and wisdom to teach and mature the people of God. As Paul explained, the Spirit dug deep and gave him understanding. It is not the knowledge of the world or from those considered wise. What he taught came from the heart of God and could only be understood by those who were mature and stayed close to God. This impartation of wisdom to believers built them up to a place of maturity.
The same holds true today. Although scriptures are no longer added to the Bible, it doesn’t mean all the wisdom has been squeezed out! For example, Daniel had a revelation of the end times, but when he asked what the outcome would be, the angel told him that the words were closed up and sealed until the appropriate time (Dan.12). In part, we are living those times now with new knowledge and wisdom revealed to those who will take the time to study the scriptures.
Knowledge and Wisdom Confusion
In Charismatic and Pentecostal circles, words of knowledge and wisdom are often confused with a gift of prophecy. I think it’s a matter of the language used to present prophecy. Those who have a prophetic message often say something like, “I have a word.” I believe that when people hear the word “word,” they automatically assume it is a word of knowledge or a word of wisdom. Prophecy is not called a “word of prophecy,” it’s called prophecy. Some will say, “I have a prophetic word,” which clarifies what they are about to release. Make sense? I hope so!
Until next time under the palm, be blessed!
