Gifts of the Spirit ~ The Word of Wisdom and The Word of Knowledge
1st 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;
The spiritual gifts: the "word of wisdom" and the "word of knowledge" are included in the spiritual gifts that are listed in 1st Corinthians 12. What exactly are these gifts and how do they operate?
There are three spiritual gifts lists in the New Testament: Romans 12:6-8, 1st Corinthians 12:4-11, and 1st Corinthians 12:28 and this is the only list that mentions the gifts referred to as the "word of wisdom" and the "word of knowledge" and this is the only place in Scripture that has these specific phrases. Paul does not elaborate any further as to the definition of what these gifts mean nor does he explain their purpose and application within the Ekklesia in this chapter.
The meaning of these two gifts can be somewhat confusing as to exactly what they are, especially when many of us have witnessed the false portrayal of them within the Pentecostal/charismatic movements from television, books, other media, or even of friends and family that we know. I have heard people say that God has spoken to them when in fact He has not spoken to them; for one thing, their "word of knowledge" or their revelation is usually not in accordance with the knowledge contained in God's Word; and if it does happen to be somewhat in accordance with God's Word then we need to look at other factors.
In some veins of thought these two gifts have been appropriated to such things that on par with clairvoyance or fortune-telling so it is important that we reject these false teachings and learn as to how these very special spiritual gifts truly do operate based on the Bible's definition of them and biblical examples of God's faithful servants that exercised these gifts.
The people that misinterpret these spiritual gifts will often insist on giving their advice as some kind of insight ("knowledge") as to what another person has done or what is going to happen to them and it is all based on fantasy (or other spiritual sources) on the part of the one that claims to have "a word of the Lord."
Those who use these (supposed) gifts in this way will often say something to the effect of, "I have a word from the Lord for you" as if God has given them a revelation regarding a decision or something that cannot be known by natural means so therefore they feel it is their duty to tell the person their revelation and then declare to them what they should do. In doing so, they claim to be speaking on behalf of God, and claim that their advice is to be followed as something that God is telling that person to do.
This is NOT the gift of the "word of knowledge" nor the gift of the "word of wisdom." These people basically want you to look to them as your spiritual guide rather than counsel you to look into God's Word and apply the true knowledge and wisdom that it contains.
The following Scriptures pertain to false prophets/teachers that desire to lead us astray with their false predictions and false revelations, (including words of knowledge) that come from their own mind and not from the mind of God. These verses warn us to turn away from those that want to mislead us from God's truth by their false words and so-called knowledge of certain things that only they know and usually by other than natural means. We will touch upon this passage more n a couple of weeks when we study the gift of prophecy. But there are some that teach that the "word of knowledge" is some type of personal prophecy gift that gives them supernatural knowledge (that will come to pass) about things, people or situations.
Deuteronomy 13:1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.
This teaching in regard to the "word of knowledge" as a revelatory gift very much permeates all the false churches. We also see this kinds of teaching depicted in movies, books, cartoons, video games, etc., in one form or another. When someone says that what they are saying is from the Lord as a "word of knowledge" and/or a "word of wisdom" and it does not adhere to sound biblical doctrine, don't listen to them and walk away from such a one. If this person is promoting themselves as having this gift as a way to gain prestige or power over others, just know that they do not have a true gift from God.
Perhaps many in the Ekklesia have not knowingly encountered this false depiction in regard to these two gifts of the Spirit in their personal experience. But this false teaching has crept into the COG's in the form of false doctrines that were introduced years ago by this very means. One example is the Rabbinic calendar that is purported as being "revealed knowledge" to the Jewish Rabbis and was introduced to the WCG over 60 years ago and has been used ever since.
This is the calendar that most of the COG's still follow to this day because they appropriate the "authority" to tell God's people what calendar to use to the Jewish Rabbis. These Rabbis do not even believe in Jesus as our Messiah, yet they in effect, are the ones that are given authority to determine when to keep the Feasts and Holy Days of God instead of looking to the God's Word. (Genesis 1:14-18) (Please see James' many articles in regard to the Biblical Calendar and the biblical definition of how to determine the beginning of months and counting the days to each of the festivals of God.)
Therefore it is good to study into the truth regarding these things so that when we are presented with counterfeits we can readily recognize them as false because we will have learned God's true purpose for the spiritual gifts that is based on the Word of God. If we know the truth (of God), that truth will set us free from heresies and we can turn from these counterfeits and the false teachers that propagate them.
1st John 4:4 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
In contrast with the practice found in false religious movements, the true purpose of these spiritual gifts is to communicate God's truth, and to expound upon it! The fact is, that these two gifts are not for the purpose of revealing new, unknown truth that would add to or take away from God's holy Scriptures.
Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
The apostle Peter was inspired to write in one of his epistles that grace and peace are multiplied (will grow in us) through the knowledge of the Father and of Jesus Christ; and that it is according to their divine power that we have received everything we need that pertains to life and true godliness.
2nd Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
If we are looking for new knowledge from individuals and requiring from them to give us special revelation of God's will and wisdom, then we deny that God's Word is SUFFICIENT. We therefore believe that it is lacking or that it is not enough to make us complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2nd Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Do we believe that God has truly given us everything we need for life and godliness and to make us perfect if we require other individuals to give us new revelation from God? If we look for specific direct messages from God through other people (including non-believing Rabbis and ministers who do not prove from Scripture the doctrines that they teach) in order to know what we should believe and how to live our lives, is God's Word truly sufficient as it tells us?
It is true that God can use another person to speak to us sometimes; but if they are truly of God, their counsel will always be to look to God's Word for all truth; or God may use a person to warn us if we are caught up in sin and to exhort us to turn back to Him; or to teach and instruct us in how to live according the teachings of the whole Word of God (Galatians 6:1, James 5:19-20, Ezekiel 3:17-2, Ezekiel 33:3, Matthew 28:19-20).
The advice (or message) that a godly person would give should always be to edify the person or the people and to direct them to the righteousness of God and to the SOUND doctrine of the whole Word of God.
The confusion and the misdirection that so often ensues in groups that practice a misleading version of the gifts of the "word of wisdom" and "word of knowledge" as some kind of revelatory gift, clearly do not edify the body nor is it for the common good. Their confusing, uncertain and sometimes contradictory "words from the Lord" do not come from the true Spirit of God, for one thing God is not a God of confusion or disorder (1st Corinthians 14:33).
Could it be that we are witnessing this in the many COG groups that refuse to look into the calendar issue and the Sabbath debate? There is so much confusion in all of these groups and the church just keeps splintering. The scattered state of the brethren has been getting worse over the years, not better, as a result of looking to the corporate leaders for their doctrine rather than looking into the Bible and proving the things that they are being taught, whether they be true or not.
If we truly do have godly wisdom and God's Spirit, they will help us to discern the difference between the true and the false application of these two gifts. The gifts of the "word of wisdom and knowledge" have to do with the communication of spiritual truth related to the Word of God and not after the false traditions of men.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
The Greek word for wisdom is sophia and the Greek word for knowledge is gnosis. The definitions gives us some indication of what these two gifts are about.
Sophia (Strong's # 4678) sophia: Definition: wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. (Strong's Concordance)
True biblical wisdom involves God's wisdom for right living and relationships, it requires the same understanding that God has concerning how we are to live and conduct ourselves; it refers to knowledge of God or of the things that belong to God, as related in the whole Word of God. For example, the book of Proverbs is all about wisdom and gives us much instruction in the way of wise living according to God's righteousness while living in a world that is at enmity to the law of God.
The Greek word for "knowledge" is gnósis (Strong's #1108) gnósis: a knowing, knowledge doctrine, wisdom. (Strong's Concordance)
Previously, back in December we published two articles on the subject of gnosticism ("gnosticism" being a derivative of gnosis) which is a heretical philosophy based on supposedly hidden knowledge but it is not of God. These articles are a good backdrop to the study of the right use of the Gifts of the "word of wisdom" and the "word of knowledge". To review the articles in regard to the heretical meanings of "knowledge" and how the false religions of the world have embraced them you can go to the link: December 27, 2014 Glorious Living Newsletter
Here is an excerpt from James' article from that Newsletter regarding the meaning of Gnosticism and how prevalent it is in all the religions of the world:
"Gnosticism at its foundation means that man can become God through his own efforts and his own wisdom. All religions are based on Gnosticism.
Buddhism teaches that through good works a person may attain to God-hood. Masonry teaches the same thing as does Catholicism which makes saints [demi-gods] out of those who are claimed to have done good works.
Most religions deny this, but then insist on keeping their own ways, in place of keeping the Word of God. A common example is keeping Sunday instead of God's commanded seventh day Sabbath.
All pagan religions are based on Gnosticism in practice while most adherents are ignorant of that fact. The masses are taught that salvation is by faith and not by works; while also teaching that the people are to keep the teachings of their denomination above the Word of God.
Gnosticism is to exalt the wisdom of man above the Word of God; Gnosticism is rebellion against the Word of God, to do as we want like Eve in the garden.
Gnosticism is the fundamental underpinning of all rebellion against any zeal to keep the Word of God; it means [Self] knowledge; as opposed to knowledge revealed in God's Word." (Gnosticism ~ James)
The following is an excerpt of what was written in the article about "Heresy" in the same Newsletter which describes how the teaching of this type of the above mentioned "revelatory knowledge" has crept into the church. Components of this heresy are rampant in the COG's in the form of the "Primacy of Peter" doctrine; and in the adherence to a man-devised calendar that is opposed to God's correct assigning of times for His festivals and Holy Days.
So many brethren are just not aware of how far we have strayed because of the deception that has been brought in over the many years since the days of the original apostles. Because it is the "way we have always been taught so therefore it is right" kind of mentality, the brethren have a hard time of forsaking the traditions of men to come to a true grasp of what God really teaches in His Word.
"The modern day Gnosticism movement also believes in progressive revelation which is another ploy of Satan that instills doubts in the human mind by teaching that God reveals new things to them, albeit by dubious means. God does reveal things to his faithful children by opening their eyes to understanding of His commandments and His truths in the Bible. He never reveals "truth" through angels, astrology, pagan sources, Tara cards, or false religious leaders. And when He does reveal truth (or a deeper understanding of His truth) to men, He will never contradict what He has already revealed in His Word, the Bible, which contains the inspired teachings of His holy prophets, Jesus Christ and the apostles.
God does not lie and He will never contradict Himself. The people who advocate progressive revelation by other means teach that their OWN unique revelations are more authoritative than God's Word and they go right back to Satan's lie: "Yea, hath God said?" and then proceed to override what God has said by their own "revelations."
True revelations, dreams, visions will always, always complement, harmonize and most definitely confirm what God already teaches in His Scriptures. The people who claim divine revelation from these other things play right into Satan's hand to be used by his satanic influence to propagate their false teachings [heresy], under the pretense of God revealing something new to them which is in reality at variance with God's truth.
Brethren, we see this all the time and it is more flagrant in some arenas than others but this has been happening even in the COG's and we must look to God's Word for the truth of whatever we believe in and practice.
We see this in the COG (groups) looking to a man-made Rabbinic calendar that certain church leaders adopted many years ago, and the ministers taught by these leaders still insist that the members of God's Ekklesia adhere to something they say was supposedly "revealed" to pagans [contrary to God's Word]. Sound familiar?
These leading ministers claim that the calendar subject is just too difficult for the average church member to "understand" and that it takes special "knowledge" that only certain "scholars" can figure out; and that they are the only ones that can decipher it. They insist that we must just trust them to tell us what days we are to keep based on their special knowledge. This mindset very much smacks of Gnosticism! So here we see that gnosticism is alive and well and has flourished well in the modern day church of God.
This is why this Bible study on this particular subject is so very important. These leaders mislead us into disobeying God with their gnostic reasoning to observe holy days that are not really holy and then to profane the correct days that God has determined to be holy by His Biblical calendar. "Yea, hath God said?" is their silent, and sometimes not so silent mantra, putting distrust into the minds of the people; that God does not really mean what He says. Isaiah prophesied that this would be the case in physical Israel and we see this happening in the Spiritual Israel of God in our modern times." (Works of the Flesh: Heresies ~ December 27, 2014 Glorious Living Newsletter)
The fact that "word" is used in combination with knowledge and/or wisdom in describing these two gifts of the Spirit indicates that the "word of wisdom" and the "word of knowledge" are based on the Word of God. Just as we studied in regard to the "gift of faith" last week, that all God's people are to have faith regardless of the fact that they have or have not been given the Gift of extra faith. All Christians are to have knowledge and wisdom into the spiritual things of God and of His truth and God freely gives these things to His children that are obeying Him and seeking to live by His truth. The gift of coming to understand God's truth is awesome! it is supernatural in nature and is also cause for us to marvel at the wonders of God and what He is doing in the lives of those He is calling. We can rejoice greatly at receiving this gift which leads us to the way of salvation if we remain faithful to our calling.
1st Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
But the spiritual gifts of extra knowledge and extra wisdom and speaking the words of the truth of God is an added component of these two gifts and enables certain individuals to understand with deep insight into the Word of God. They are then able with the help of this gift to express this understanding (and knowledge) to others. It is for the purpose of building up the body and is usually, but not always, given to godly leaders that God has appointed that can then help others to understand the deep mysteries of God. These members of the called-out who have been given these gifts are able to understand the very deep spiritual intent of God's laws and precepts and God gifts them to make these things plain to those that are being taught by them.
They are given "words" of wisdom and/or "words of knowledge" which are the precepts, principles, laws, ordinances of God that are to be communicated by either speaking God's Word or writing God's Word to others so that they can learn more of God's truth and the teaching (or words) then help others to understand God's truth more fully.
The gift of the "word of wisdom" describes someone who can understand and speak forth biblical truth in such a way as to skillfully apply it to life situations with all discernment. The gifts of the "word of wisdom" and the "word of knowledge" usually function together for knowledge is the foundational material and wisdom builds on it by incorporating that knowledge into skilled application to any challenge that may come up and in making life's decisions. "Wisdom is the quality or state of being wise, using knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action, discernment or insight into things." (Dictionary.com)
This means that we use the knowledge of spiritual things and our knowledge of the laws of God to help us to make wise decisions and to apply our knowledge of God's truth to every situation and to every judgment.
The apostle Paul had the gifts of the "word of wisdom" and the "word of knowledge" and he used these gifts to teach the knowledge of Christ and how to apply sound doctrine to all of our conduct and beliefs, expounding the in-depth spiritual intent of God's laws and godly principles in all of his epistles.
The "word of knowledge" is generally a speaking or writing gift that involves understanding God's truth with deep insights that come by (the rightful) revelation from God; a deeper understanding to the things already contained in God's Word and then teaching it to others. Those with the gift of the "word of knowledge" understand the deep things of God and the mysteries of His Word in more profound ways than those who are newly called or those who do not have this specific gift. It is a Gift of the Spirit and Paul describes it as a grace from God that was given to him to help others come to understand the truth of God's Word; and to turn away from false doctrines and teachings.
Ephesians 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
1st Corinthians 2:66 Howbeit we speak [impart a higher] wisdom [the knowledge of the divine plan previously hidden] among them that are perfect: [spiritually mature Christians who have been given understanding],yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom [once hidden], which God ordained before the world [decreed before the ages] unto our glory: [that we too may be saved and be glorified as Jesus was (John 17:22)].
The Bible gives us many examples regarding "the word of knowledge" and "the word of wisdom" and there are many instances of these gifts being played out in the lives of God's servants. We can more fully understand these gifts and how they operate by studying the events that happened in the lives of God's faithful servants that were given these gifts of the Spirit in the Old and in the New Testaments.
One example is in Acts 8 of the man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, and Philip who was sent to help him. God sent an angel to speak to Philip that he was to go to a certain place.
Phillip obeyed and came upon a man who needed to be guided in applying God's Word and taught the way of salvation. God was calling this man and as the Ethiopian was reading a portion of the Old Testament, he needed someone to explain to him how what he was reading had to do with the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and the person of Christ.
Acts 8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? (Please see Acts 8:26-35 for the whole account.)
Philip helped the Ethiopian man to understand the deep mysteries of God's plan and purpose. A miraculous thing happened that day as a result of Philip using this gift to help the Ethiopian come to a saving knowledge of the Gospel to the point of being convicted enough to be baptized. This man went back to his country and according to historical tradition preached the Gospel in his sphere of influence to his own countrymen. (Wikipedia)
Back to Ephesians 3:2-10 and continuing, Paul goes into even more detail as to the purpose of this grace that was given to him; it was to preach of the "unsearchable riches of Christ" that are hard to understand for most and takes God opening the mind of those He is calling to be able to see. Even then, most will need guidance and teaching by faithful and wise elders, such as Paul, Peter, John, and Philip and so many others who were faithful to do so, back then in their day and down through the centuries. These gifts of the Spirit, just like all the other gifts, further God's miraculous works on earth and are instrumental in building up God's spiritual temple and making a people ready for the soon coming Kingdom of God.
Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Someone with the the spiritual gifts of the "word of wisdom" and the "word of knowledge" can be described as one who can understand and speak forth biblical truth in such a way as to skillfully apply it to life situations with all discernment. It also gives them wisdom to judge certain things and situations and they are guided then to do what God would have them to do.
These gifts often work in conjunction with some of the other gifts of the Spirit just as the "gift of extra faith" is manifested in healing and miracles, etc. This extra measure of spiritual knowledge and wisdom can be expressed in other spiritual gifts such as teaching, exhortation, discernment and in administration ("he that ruleth, with diligence" Romans 12:8)
One example that is in the Old Testament is, of course, in the account of King Solomon who asked for the gift of an understanding heart for the purpose of wisely ruling God's people and God granted to him the gift of a wise and understanding heart (wisdom) more than any other man that had ever lived.
1st Kings 2:7 And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. 8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
A demonstration of his wisdom came shortly after when two prostitutes were brought before him to judge over their dispute as to who was the rightful mother of the living son after one son had died. Solomon was given divine insight and then used that insight in wise handling of the situation that brought out who the true mother was and he was able to judge in her favor. (1st Kings 3:16-27)
1st Kings 3:28 And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.
In the story of David and Abigail we read how Abigail used great wisdom in the handling of her husband's refusal to help David and his men, and by her circumspection, she was able to save herself and her household. (1st Samuel 25:1- 27) Her words of wisdom were offered to David as she very humbly gave David advice as to what would happen if he were to take out his anger in slaying her husband Nabal along with the innocent household members and the servants who happened to work for Nabal.
1st Samuel 25:28 I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the Lord, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days. 29 Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.
30 And it shall come to pass, when the Lord shall have done to my lord according to all the good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel; 31 That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the Lord shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid.
32 And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: 33 And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. 34 For in very deed, as the Lord God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.
35 So David received of her hand that which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person.
Also, somehow she perceived who David was and she knew, or had some inkling, about the covenant that the Lord made with David for she said to him "the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house" (See 2nd Samuel 7) and that David would some day be delivered from the hand of Saul and become the king over Israel (verse 30). She basically told him "Please forgive your servant's offense, for the Lord will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my master, because he fights the Lord's battles. Let no wrongdoing be found in you as long as you live."
A selfish and foolish man provoked David and it made him so angry that he wanted to kill Nabel and everyone associated with him. Just in time, God sent a wise woman full of godly knowledge to counsel him.
It is never wise to make rash decisions based on the emotion of the moment and David was warned about this by this very wise woman. He was about to do something that he would regret for the rest of his life. Abigail showed him the foolishness of slaying a household of people based on being offended by one member of that household.
Abigail convinced David with her words of wisdom to avoid making a terrible mistake that would have been a unfortunate burden on his conscience for the rest of his life and would have given him the reputation as being an unfair and brutal man and therefore not fit to rule. Later, David could say with a clear conscience:
2nd Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
Psalm 72:1 Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son. 2 He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. 3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. 4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
How did Abigail know these things? We are not told but her decisive reaction to her dilemma demonstrated a correct application of the word of knowledge and she offered David the words of wisdom, both of which were based on the truth of God's Word and upon His principles. Her words totally changed the course of events in the life of David (for the better) preventing him from doing something that would have had detrimental consequences for him later when he became king. Her wisdom also change the course of events in her own life, saving herself, her household, and her servants; and then a little while later (after she became a widow) she was asked by David to be his wife.
There are many instances of God's servants and prophets using these spiritual gifts recorded throughout the Old and the New Testament and if we look for examples of how they were used in other places of Scripture we can find them.
Both of these gifts are related and work in tandem with each other in helping to build up the body of Christ. The giving of extra spiritual insight that enables one to speak words of "wisdom and knowledge" are given to share with the Ekklesia, not merely for just personal fulfillment, although these gifts benefit immensely the one that has these gifts as well.
In the early years of the church, perhaps these two gifts were abundantly poured out on the apostles and elders in the Ekklesia. The knowledge of deep spiritual truth that was imparted to them was shared as words of wisdom and knowledge taught in their congregations and written in their letters to help others grow in Christ. The giving of these spiritual gifts to faithful men would have been especially important during the early stage of the growing church during which the New Testament Scriptures had not yet been completed and canonized.
The writings of the apostles are the sharing of these gifts to bless others that were being called at that time and for all the called-out that have come after, right up to our time. Their inspired words of instruction, biblical truth, doctrines, correction, and warnings now make up the Divine Word of God and are readily available to all who read and study the Bible.
In our modern day Ekklesia, it does not seem that these gifts have been given in abundance as the church, is for the most part, in a state of confusion with many false ministers, infighting, scattering, and it has incorporated much error over the years that it refuses to recognize and repent of. The more we internalize the nature of God and incorporate sound biblical doctrine and become at one with God our Father and His Son FIRST, the more we will have peace and cooperation within the body and then the spiritual gifts will be given in more abundance.
1st Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 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. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
It seems fairly obvious to most of us that the modern day Ekklesia needs more people who are abundantly wise and knowledgeable regarding God's truth and are fearless in communicating those truths to others; the doctrines and ordinances that are true according to the whole Word of God.
If only more of God's children would be given these gifts and then be examples and godly leaders for others, perhaps the Ekklesia would once again be directed away from idolizing self-important church leaders, the COG corporate organizations, and teach sound doctrine to those that are willing to look into what God says by proving all things from their own Bibles.
At this point in history, we do need strong leaders who are faithful, with the gift of the word of wisdom and and word of knowledge to help restore truth and lead true members of God's Ekklesia out of apostasy.
Can we ask God for a super abundant pouring out of His knowledge and wisdom?the kind that helps to build up the body of Christ even though 1st Corinthians 12:8 teaches us that it is God's prerogative to give certain gifts to individuals according to how He decides? "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him."
It is up to God to decide who should receive the spiritual gifts of the "word of knowledge" and/or the "word of wisdom," but we do know that God definitely wants us to seek out His wisdom and to grow in the true knowledge of Him and in godly wisdom. We know that all Christians are to have the knowledge of God's truth and wisdom in knowing how to apply that knowledge which is imperative in our Christian walk and attaining to eternal life.
The more diligent we are to seek out His knowledge and His wisdom, the more He will reward us with knowledge and understanding of His truth regardless of whether speaking the "words of wisdom" and/or the "words of knowledge" is our spiritual gift as per 1st Corinthians 12.
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.
The giving of spiritual wisdom by God is also dependent on how much we keep God's commandments and obey in the things that we have already been given knowledge of. To fear God in a proper way is to fear to disobey Him and because we have a proper awe and respect for God and all of His ways; we want to please Him in everything we think, say and do therefore we will want to obey Him in all things. As we do, we will be given the ability to understand even more of God's truth by the power of His Holy Spirit.
In Acts 5:32 it says very clearly that God gives His Spirit to those who obey Him, and in Psalm 111:10 we are told that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments."
Job 28:28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. (Please see Job 28:20-27 to see Job's question regarding wisdom.)
If we diligently seek to have more knowledge of God and to have His wisdom and do the work of studying His Word and seeking these things more than all riches or the pleasures of this world, we will come to have spiritual riches and treasure that are far more valuable than anything this world could offer us. Whether we are given the spiritual "Gifts" of the "word of knowledge" and/or the "word of wisdom" that is up to God and only He knows what gift we should have, but we all very much need the spiritual wisdom that only God can provide. This wisdom is what brings eternal life if we embrace it and wholeheartedly apply it to our lives.
We can seek wisdom diligently, hunt for it and dig for it as if digging for rubies or fine gold; and if we do, we will be rewarded. Peter tells us to grow in grace and knowledge [of the Lord]. (2nd Peter 3:18)
Proverbs 2:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. 9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
Yes, God freely gives the gift of wisdom and understanding but it is up to us to cultivate that gift and do the things that help us to attain even more of the spiritual things of God, just as we have studied the seeking to have more of the fruits of the Spirit and asking God for them.
Proverbs 25:22 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Ephesians 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
Isaiah prophesied that when Jesus Christ would come to earth as a man in the flesh, and then as the King appointed of His Father to rule over the whole earth in the kingdom of God, He would have a spirit of wisdom and knowledge; the spirit of counsel and might; and also understanding and the proper fear of (awe and respect) for His Father; that this wisdom and understanding would make Him of a "quick understanding" and that it would enable Him to judge righteously and to annihilate all evil from off the earth when He sets up His kingdom.
Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
As we read in the Gospel accounts, there were numerous times that Jesus mightily exhibited the gifts of the "word of knowledge" and the "word of wisdom" especially in his interactions with Satan and then with the religious leaders that tried to trip him up. And not only with them, but in everything thing He did and everything He said He show "quick understanding" of not only how to answer when people asked him hard questions but also in his dealings with those that he came into contact with.
Somehow Jesus was able to discern thoughts, motives, hidden agendas and even the fact that the Sanitarian woman at the well had had five husbands and was living with a man that was not her husband. He used every situation to teach a message, refute falsehoods, rebuke sin or to bring some wise point to home.
At the very beginning of His ministry Jesus was tempted by Satan and whenever Satan thought he was throwing a curve ball at Him, Jesus had an instant reply that refuted the words of Satan every time.
Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Jesus knew exactly how to answer Satan for Jesus lived by the very words that He gave to Satan when Satan wanted Him to prove that He was the Messiah. Because Jesus had a thorough knowledge of all the Scriptures (they were after all, His Words) and used the wisdom that they contained to answer Satan, to rebuke him and later out to outwit the religious leaders that tried to trap Him with their beguiling questions and accusations.
Another way these gifts can be played out is when we need them when facing enemies just as Jesus did. Jesus said that He would give us words of wisdom to defend the truth when brought before magistrates and kings. These words would come to our "remembrance" just when we need them if we have studied and learned God's Word and internalize it into our very natures. God says that He will give us His words that will come out as wisdom and no one will be able to refute the wisdom of those words if we are not ashamed of the Gospel and we are depending on Him to supply the words that speak of it.
Luke 21:14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
The key is to study God's Word to the point that we make His words our very own and we will grow more and more to have the mind of God and will speak His words according to what is needful at the time.
2nd Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
1st Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
As we become more and more familiar with the Scriptures, they will come together to make sense to us and we will be able to piece together the spiritual things of God, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Those that are maturing in the faith and are growing in the knowledge of God's Word will be able to rightly put certain Scriptures together to see the whole meaning of certain subjects and as they are presented in the whole Bible and not taking them out of context to derive their own meanings. As we fill ourselves up with the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will help us to connect the dots, to see and understand biblical things that others are unable to see or connect yet.
Isaiah 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. 13 But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little...
Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit in its complete fullness and He is our example for us to emulate as we seek to have the kind of knowledge and wisdom that He had. The more wisdom and knowledge we attain, the more skilled we will become in these things and perhaps the gifts of the "word of knowledge" and the "word of wisdom" will be imparted to more members of God's Ekklesia. God can use those skilled in His Word to help others to grow in their Christian walk as well. Or perhaps if these are not our specific gifts, (for it is God that determines what gift or gifts each member is given according to His will and place for us) we can then use whatever spiritual knowledge and wisdom that we attain to help us in whatever gift God should give us; for the more knowledge and wisdom we have the better we will be able to exercise our particular spiritual gift. We would not be able to exercise any of the gifts properly without some degree of knowledge and wisdom of God's ways and truth.
Our Lord sets the example the most of what it means to utilize the spiritual gifts of the "word of knowledge" and the "word of wisdom." For those who are given either one or both of these spiritual gifts, they are to exercise their gifts to edify and build up the church with their words of knowledge and words of wisdom following in the example of Jesus, Paul and others who were dedicated in helping others. Those endowed with the gifts of speaking God's words of knowledge and wisdom have been freely given these gifts by God and in turn they are to freely give the benefits of their wisdom and knowledge to others so that they, too, will know the will of God and know the way to eternal salvation.
Constance
