“… for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice” (1 Kings 3:28, NKJ)
The first gift of the Spirit that we’ll discuss is the gift of a word of wisdom. This wisdom has got nothing to do with human insight and the ability to give good advice. In fact, James 3:15 call this human wisdom: “earthly, sensual, demonic”. Another word used for sensual is self-centred. James contrasts it with the wisdom that comes from above (i.e. from God).
Throughout the Old Testament there is testimony that people were filled with the spirit of wisdom. In Ex 31:6 God said of Aholiab and others that: “I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans that they may make all that I have commanded you.” Of Joshua it is said in Deut 34:9 that he was “full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him”. And then, of course, Solomon: “And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.” (1 Kings 4:29). We can also mention Daniel and his friends (Dan 1:4) who demonstrated exceptional wisdom.
Jesus is described in Luke 2:40 as follows: “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom …” Paul calls Christ the culmination of “the wisdom of God” in 1 Cor 1:24. When the gift of wisdom is given to you, you are enabled to speak God’s wisdom into a complex situation. A very good example of this is Solomon’s answer to the two prostitutes who were arguing about whose son a baby was (1 Kings 3:16-28). Jesus’ answers were often filled with supernatural wisdom and it astounded those around Him (Matt 13:54).
James 3:17 gives the guidelines on which a word of wisdom should be judged: “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield (open to reason), full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”
If you need supernatural wisdom for a situation, pray and ask for the gift of wisdom from the “Spirit of wisdom” (Eph 1:17). You have the assurance of James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
- Sela: Secure the wonderful invitation of James 1:5 and awaken this gift in your life.
- Read: Gen 44; Ps 44; Matt 14
- Memorise: Ps 44:22
- Going deeper: Read Prov 8:22-31 in terms of Christ personified as Wisdom.
