Written by Josiah Gerdes

Read: 1 Corinthians 2:13

The spiritual gift of words of wisdom is, in my opinion, among the most difficult gifts to define and understand. If you have this gift, does it mean you are just a wise person? If you often share wisdom with others, could you have the spiritual gift of words of wisdom?

The person described may be wise, but this particular spiritual gift reaches much further than mere human wisdom. This gift, when used correctly, can best be thought of as God’s direct voice and wisdom delivered to a person. The Spirit often gives wisdom for specific moments in our lives, and this gift allows the Spirit to give wisdom directly through other people.

Paul describes words of wisdom among believers in 1 Corinthians 2:13. He writes, “This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.”

If you believe you have never received wisdom from God for someone else before, you may already be counting yourself out for this gift. Allow me to encourage you to reconsider! Have you ever received an idea of what somebody should do in a particular situation based on knowledge you did not naturally have? Has the Spirit ever given you an actionable word for someone to progress on their spiritual journey? These may be signs that the Spirit wants you to operate in the gift of words of wisdom!

As always, words from the Lord must be given in humility and with an open hand. As you judge whether a word is actually from the Lord, consider whether it has the characteristics of a word of wisdom: Does it move the hearer toward Christ? Is it edifying? Is it actionable? Is it direct and for a specific situation or moment?

Remember, these are gifts that the Lord uses to operate through us! He will not sow confusion, and He will not do anything with these words that is out of His character. There may be details of the word to work out in community or with a trusted leader/pastor, but peace will follow the Spirit’s voice.