Word of Wisdom
For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:8
The gift of a word of wisdom is a message that someone gives to another person of a future event or a solution to a current situation in their life. The word of wisdom is a specific gift and not to be confused with the wisdom of God that He gives to all those who ask that is written in the book of James. (See James 1:5) It is a sharing of what will take place soon or can be a solution to a dilemma that someone needs the answer to.
Jesus used the gift of the word of wisdom when He gave the great commission. He said in Luke 24:49 – “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” Jesus knew that the Holy Spirit was coming. The disciples obeyed the words of Jesus, but they had no idea what was really about to happen or even if anything would happen. Jesus spoke in the wisdom of something that would happen not far off in the future.
There are many examples throughout the New Testament of the Holy Spirit using the gift of a word of wisdom through His people. It actually comes in the form of a phrase or couple of sentences. In Acts 4, Peter used a word of wisdom when Ananias and Sapphira lied to him about their giving. In Acts 27, Paul used a word of wisdom to encourage the crew in the middle of a storm on a ship. John brought a word of wisdom in the letters to the churches in the book of Revelation.
You can ask for these gifts and the Holy Spirit knows the exact thing that you need for the place you are needing it. Verse 31 of this chapter encourages each believer to desire or ask for the gifts to flow in our lives and the Holy Spirit will show the way.
Today I want to encourage you to talk to your Heavenly Father about the Holy Spirit’s empowerment in your life. You don’t have to be a pastor or a teacher to operate in His gifts, just a witness to those that need to know the good news of salvation. Jesus promised that signs and wonders would follow those who believe not those who are trained. (See Mark 17:17-18) If you are unsure that the Holy Spirit wants to flow through you, ask Him to make it plain and clear either way. He will lead you into all truth, you can count on it. In fact, Jesus promised He would. (See John 16:13)
Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 12:8-11
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
The Daily Dose 