Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit. 1Cor 12:4-8
In order to understand what this gift is I believe it would be best to look at what it isn’t. According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary wisdom is defined as ‘The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them. This is wisdom in act, effect, or practice.’ We can obtain this kind of wisdom both through education and experience. You can be taught how to make the right choice, for example a good education in math and economics can help you to become wise in the financial world. If you grew up on the streets you could be considered to have what is called streets smarts. Or, if you are smart, you can learn from your mistakes and become wise in the ways of life.
We can see examples of this type of wisdom all throughout scripture:
“See, I have taught you statutes and judgments just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do thus in the land where you are entering to possess it. So keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’” Deut 4:5-6
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:10
“And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. Acts 7:22 (KJV)
There is nothing wrong with this type of wisdom, we are advised by scripture to search for it as we search for hidden treasure:
My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; f you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God Proverbs 2:1-5
Scripture tells us that wisdom is better that silver or gold and that nothing compares with it:
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver And her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her. Proverbs 3:13-15
However it can also be dangerous if mixed with pride. An abundance of knowledge and wisdom has a tendency to cause people to become puffed up in their own knowledge. The danger here becomes that these people become unteachable. They think they know everything. This is what happened with the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes of Israel. They thought they knew all there was to know about God, that they had all the answers. So when Jesus didn’t meet all the expectations of what they thought the Messiah was going to be the rejected Him.
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,”I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 1 Cor 1:18-21
We are warned over and over again in scripture about this type of wisdom.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Prov 3:7
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him. Prov 26:12 (KJV)
Let no man deceive himself If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God For it is written, “He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR CRAFTINESS”; and again, “THE LORD KNOWS THE REASONINGS of the wise, THAT THEY ARE USELESS.”
