Written on February 8th, 2006 - 9:06PM Last Updated: February 8th, 2006 - 9:06PM
For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; (1 Corinthians 12:8)
The word of wisdom is a wonderful and important manifestation of the Spirit through His people. As seen with the word of knowledge, λογος ("word") means a subject, matter or teaching, or even a literal "word" as in a sentence.
The word σοφια "wisdom" again has its roots in Greek mythology, being their goddess of wisdom. It comes from the adjective for "wise," which is very similar to the Greek word for "clear, complete, sufficient." In this we can see that the λογος σοφιας ("word of wisdom") is a nugget of clarity. It is a supernatural insight into something. It is a taking away of that which distorts clarity in a situation, a giving of the matter in a complete and clear way. It is, then, a window into truth. One can see its similarity to the word of knowledge.
Knowing what the word of wisdom is encourages us to seek the HolySpirit to manifest it through us, not only for our own benefit in private, but for the building up of the Assembly at large (1 Corinthians 14:26). As we continue to come to know Yahweh better through His Son, we are in need of a clear seeing-through to His nature, His Word, His plan and will. There is so much resistance to His working, by Satan and his angels, by the people of this world who are subjects of his will, and even by our own flesh which in its very nature is contrary to God (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). This is because all of those things are fundamentally opposed to the Spirit. They operate according to a different principle and do not delight in the truth, or what is real, and therefore cannot please God (Romans 8:5-9).
The word of wisdom cuts through all of this resistance, which can cloud our minds and spirits, and gives us a direct look what the truth of a situation: whether it be a human relationship, a problem of logisitics, a question concerning a teaching of God, or anything else which gives us doubt.
Because of God's love and grace, He has given us access to this supernatural manifestatin of His HolySpirit. It is a faith-builder, as it removes doubts about the subject in question. It restores us to a single mind, which enables us to walk with confidence, receiving whatever we ask of God.
5But 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. 6But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed. 7For let that man not think that he will receive anything from the Lord. 8He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8)
Biblical Examples
Although this phrase is not found anywhere else in scripture, there are at least two instances where one can see it at work.
As Jesus was confronted by disciples of the Pharisees, who were trying to trap Him in His own words (Matthew 22:15-16), He was given a supernatural word of wisdom to refute their insincere question.
17Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" 18But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test me, you hypocrites? 19Show me the tax money." They brought to him a denarius. 20He asked them, "Whose is this image and inscription?" 21They said to him, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:17-21)
The impact of this window into the truth of the matter given by Jesus had an obvious effect upon the listeners.
When they heard it, they marveled, and left him, and went away. (Matthew 22:22)
Yahweh, the source of being and thus the principle One knowing the truth of each matter, gave His Son this insight supernaturally by His Spirit. Its result was a chance for His opponents to consider themselves and their and their masters' understanding. They marveled and left Him alone. Jesus had won this battle of the flesh by acting in the Spirit.
The other example of this manifestation is given in the Acts of the Apostles. During the early days of the Assembly, after the HolySpirit had been given as promised, there was a problem of logistics.
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists{The Hellenists used Greek language and culture, even though they were also of Hebrew descent.} against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service. (Acts 6:1)
The apostles had the opportunity to try to do everything. However, they recognized their calling, and did not attempt to perform duties to which they were not called by the Lord.
The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables. (Acts 6:2)
In this we can see a supernatural insight into the matter. This "daily service" was needed, and it was not right that there was controversy that it was being done properly. But whose burden was it? The HolySpirit gave the apostles an insight into the matter.
They were called to pray and to serve the Word, not to serve tables. This was their calling by Christ, and they were reminded of it by the Spirit Who dwelt in them.
But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word." (Acts 6:4)
The word of wisdom given by the Spirit was to appoint believers specially to this task.
Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the HolySpirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. (Acts 6:3)
In this, Christ's ordinance for His people to pray and to serve was fulfilled. Those who were called specially to prayer and ministry of the Word could continue their calling (the apostles); and those called by Him to serve others would begin publicly their newly recognized service. In this, all problems were solved, and through this insight into truth, the Assembly began to multiply greatly and even the Jewish priests began to be followers of the faith of Jesus.
The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:7)
Seek Wisdom
We are encouraged by the apostle Paul to earnestly seek spiritual things, especially that we may prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1). This word of wisdom gives us the insight we need to speak as the oracle of God.
With it we may see through the blinders of the flesh, beyond the natural conventions of this world, into the truth of each situation. As the Spirit manifests this word of wisdom in His people, Yahweh's Kingdom cannot help but grow and expand in number, influence and prominence.
As you read this site, you will hopefully come to know Yahweh more fully.
But all of this continuing knowledge is useless unless and until you come into union with Him. I use the word union because it is truly a marriage. It is that deep connection we all seek, for which we most often look in other people. However, the truth is that our hearts will only be fulfilled when we enter that union in fullness with the One Who made us.
This is the grace of God, that He has not stayed distant for us only to worship as Creator. But He has come unto us, even become one of us—in His Son, ChristJesus—in order to share an intimate union with us. He desires such closeness that it truly will envelope our entire life, transforming us into something new and wonderful.
You may have already entered this union with Him and only seek to know Him better through reading here. But if you have not, as you do read, let this Gospel sink into your heart as you read it now.
God loves you, and has cast your sins into the sea. He has sent His only Son as the Savior of the world—that includes you.
That Son, JesusChrist, was born as a man through a virgin who had given her life to Yahweh; He lived without sin, reflected the glory of His Father, God, in all His words and deeds, and was persecuted even unto death because of it.
His death upon a cross was the powerful explosion that separated you from your life of death. It remains for you, now, to enter into that death with Him. As you die to the one you are now, a person separated from God from your many sins, you will be born anew, with a nature predisposed to live rightly. This gift is free to you, with nothing you can do to earn it. It is the mercy of God to offer it to you, as He loves you so much! All you must do is receive it by trusting Him to have delivered you. Simply place your life in His hands and embrace the freedom that came through that death on the cross.
The Gospel is that Jesus did not remain dead, but rose again on the third day after His crucifixion! Death could not hold Him, as He was without sin. And so death will not be able to hold you, as you identify with Him fully through your trust in Him. Let go of yourself and confess Him as Lord of your life. The power of His death and resurrection will work in you all that your Creator has destined for you. You will truly enter a new life and experience that intimate union you have been seeking all of your life.
So ponder these words as you read here of this great God—Yahweh—and all that He has revealed to His creation. Let His Spirit testify to your heart that these words are true, that God is Love, and that He sent His Son so that you might receive the life that is unbound by time and space. As you feel that witness in your heart, simply believe and receive what He is offering to you, even now, and begin your new life as a child of God.
Please write to me and let me know when you take this step, as I will be your brother in Christ—we will be one in Him!
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