The word of wisdom and word of knowledge are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 as two of the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to believers in Christ. Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible teaches about these spiritual gifts.
The Gift of the Word of Wisdom
The word of wisdom is listed as one of the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:8 – “For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom.” The word translated as “wisdom” refers to insight into the divine will and purpose, as well as understanding of spiritual truths.
The word of wisdom involves receiving insight from God as to how biblical truths apply in specific situations. It offers supernatural understanding and wisdom from the Lord that enables a believer to properly apply God’s Word to life circumstances and situations.
Those with the gift of the word of wisdom have an unusual ability to understand God’s perspective and declare His wisdom concerning various situations. The word of wisdom provides believers with an understanding of God’s truth and will, but it does not necessarily give detailed instruction as to what steps of action should be taken. Instead, it discloses the mind and purpose of God regarding a situation.
For example, someone with the gift of the word of wisdom may provide God-given insight and perspective to an individual or group that is struggling to make a difficult decision. This spiritual wisdom helps bring clarity and understanding regarding the choices and direction the Lord desires for them.
In the early church, those possessing this gift provided practical wisdom and insights to meet the various needs of the church. Even today, those with the gift of the word of wisdom can provide wisdom and discernment regarding certain situations that align with the will and truth of God as conveyed in Scripture.
Key Points about the Gift of the Word of Wisdom:
- It provides a supernaturally-given understanding or revelation of the divine perspective concerning a situation.
- It offers Spirit-guided wisdom and discernment regarding choices and decisions.
- It reveals how biblical truth and principles apply to specific circumstances.
- It discloses God’s larger purpose and will concerning a person or situation.
- It provides divinely-inspired wisdom, though not necessarily step-by-step guidance.
The Gift of the Word of Knowledge
In the same passage that lists the word of wisdom, 1 Corinthians 12:8 also mentions “the word of knowledge” as a spiritual gift. What does this gift entail?
The gift of the word of knowledge involves receiving revelation from God that provides “knowing” or information about a situation or person beyond what could be known naturally. This spiritual gift provides believers with facts and understanding into something that they would have no ability or means to discover on their own.
The word of knowledge might involve receiving insight about the past or present circumstances of an individual or group. Unlike a word of wisdom that offers divine perspective concerning a situation, the word of knowledge provides actual information about something or someone that is unknown to the believer.
For instance, someone with this gift may supernaturally know facts about a person’s life such as their inner motives, secret sins they are struggling with, or difficult circumstances they have endured. These details are revealed to them by the Holy Spirit in order to minister appropriately to that individual.
At other times, the gift functions by revealing present realities occurring in different locations. In the early church, some with this gift could discern facts and details about events taking place far away, beyond their natural ability to know such things.
In both cases, the word of knowledge operates through the Spirit granting revelation about facts, details, or information that the believer has no other way of knowing. The revelation of this knowledge allows the church to use it for edification and ministry.
Key Points about the Gift of the Word of Knowledge:
- It provides Spirit-revealed information about people or circumstances.
- It reveals facts about a situation or individual that are unknowable naturally.
- It discloses details about a person’s life, condition, or needs in order to minister to them.
- It provides God-revealed “knowing” about things beyond natural awareness.
- It grants supernatural knowledge about a situation to strengthen the church.
Differences Between the Two Gifts
Both the word of wisdom and word of knowledge are referred to as “the word of” something. This indicates that these gifts are expressed in verbal form, providing wisdom and knowledge through divinely guided words to the church.
However, there are also key differences between these supernatural gifts:
- The word of wisdom provides perspective, discernment, and understanding regarding a situation, choice, or problem.
- The word of knowledge grants specific facts and details about a person or circumstance that was unknown beforehand.
- The word of wisdom offers divine insight and advice regarding what one should do.
- The word of knowledge reveals information one needs to know in order to minister to others effectively.
In summary, the word of wisdom discloses the mind and purposes of God regarding a situation, providing Spirit-guided understanding concerning what choices or path of action should be taken. The word of knowledge grants revelation of specifics that a believer did not know beforehand, allowing them to use that insight wisely in ministering to others.
Examples of the Word of Wisdom and Word of Knowledge in the Bible
There are examples in Scripture where the gifts of the word of wisdom and word of knowledge seem to be in operation:
- When Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman in John 4, He supernaturally knew details about her life that revealed her need for salvation.
- Peter discerned the deception and secret motives in the hearts of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5.
- Paul sometimes knew specific details about the lives of people he was writing to, such as the strong factions within the Corinthian church (1 Cor 1:11).
- Jesus demonstrated supernatural knowledge of where people had been and what they had done even though He had not been present with them (John 1:48, 4:18).
- Solomon’s prayer for wisdom (1 Kings 3) allowed him to govern Israel with God’s perspective and discernment.
These seem to demonstrate elements of revelation that came through the Spirit’s work to disclose information and wisdom that could only come from the Lord.
Are the Gifts of Word of Wisdom and Word of Knowledge still Relevant Today?
Some Christians believe the more supernatural gifts like the word of wisdom and word of knowledge were only given to the early church to affirm the authority of the apostles and the truth of their message. Now that we have the completed revelation of Scripture, some argue, such revelatory gifts are no longer active.
However, others believe that all the biblical gifts of the Spirit are still distributed by God “as He determines” (1 Cor 12:11). Just as words of wisdom and knowledge strengthened the early church, so such gifts can provide wisdom, insight, and understanding to guide Christ’s church today. In fact, many believers can testify to situations where God graciously provided a timely word of wisdom or supernatural knowledge from the Spirit to help meet a need or strengthen the church.
Though no gift operates perfectly or constantly through imperfect vessels, God still seems able to provide glimpses of revelatory wisdom and knowledge from time to time. However, the focus should not be on seeking the gifts themselves, but developing a loving relationship with Christ and seeking to serve His church. The gifts He distributes are meant for the edification of the body, not to exalt individuals.
Additionally, the greatest guard against misuse of revelatory gifts is measuring any revelation against the absolute standard of Scripture. Anything contradicting biblical truth should be rejected, as the Word of God is the final authority.
How Can These Gifts Strengthen the Church Today?
If the word of wisdom and word of knowledge are still given today, believers should seek to receive and operate in them for the purpose they were intended – to build up and strengthen Christ’s church. Here are some key ways these gifts can bring edification:
- Providing guidance, clarity, and godly perspectives to enable leadership to make wise decisions.
- Bringing order, direction, and understanding regarding God’s will in confusing situations.
- Revealing details about an individual’s life and needs in order to care for them effectively.
- Exposing hidden compromise or sin in order to lead a believer to repentance and restoration.
- Discerning facts or details about faraway events that can direct the church’s prayers.
- Calling the church to repentance, revival, and renewed devotion to Christ.
Of course, no genuine move of the Spirit will ever contradict God’s Word or distract from the lordship of Christ and the truth of the gospel.
Cautions Regarding the Gifts of the Word of Wisdom and Word of Knowledge
Since these gifts involve receiving divine revelation, there are important biblical cautions to keep in mind:
- Test any revelation against Scripture to ensure it aligns with the truth of God’s Word.
- Remember these gifts represent only a portion of God’s wisdom, not His full counsel.
- Be wary of prophets who make their personal words equal to the Bible.
- Avoid glorifying individuals as special conduits of God’s Spirit.
- Beware of messages that engender pride, manipulate people, or lead to division.
According to 1 Corinthians 14, all manifestations of the Spirit within the church must promote order, edification, and glory to Christ. The fruits of the Spirit like love and self-control should also be evident.
Additionally, no prophecy or revelation should ever contradict the truth of the gospel as revealed in Scripture. The Bible serves as the final test of all claims to heavenly wisdom or knowledge.
Conclusion
The gifts of the word of wisdom and word of knowledge were important in the early church and can still offer divine guidance and revelation today. As with all spiritual gifts, believers should seek these gifts out of love for Christ and a desire to build up His body. Any revelation received should align with Scripture and exalt the name of Jesus.
While not elevating anyone as a unique spiritual authority, we can thank the Lord for providing wisdom, insight, and understanding from His Spirit to strengthen His people. Through these gifts, He manifests His active presence, care, and guidance within Christ’s church.