Knowledge And Wisdom: Gifts Given By The Holy Spirit.
According to the Bible, the gift of knowledge and the gift of wisdom are the first 2 of 9 spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-11), and though closely related, serve different purposes and can apply to the past, present or future.
1. GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE
Supernatural Utterance Of Facts:
This gift involves the revelation of information, facts, or spiritual principles that are beyond natural comprehension, and a deep understanding of divine truths which helps them understand God’s will and purpose.
Discernment Of Truth:
People with this gift can discern truth from falsehood and allows a person to discern facts, doctrines, and mysteries of Scripture with clarity. This is often linked to teaching and explaining biblical truths accurately.
Examples:
Jesus knowing details about the Samaritan woman’s life.
John 4:17-18 (ESV) “The woman answered Him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.”
Paul’s supernatural insights.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (ESV) “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”
2. GIFT OF WISDOM
Supernatural Application Of Knowledge:
It’s the ability to apply spiritual knowledge or insights in specific situations and involves practical application of knowledge in godly living.
Divine Insight And Guidance:
This allows one to speak with divine insight, resolve problems, offer practical advice, and defend the faith. It enables a person to make righteous decisions and solve problems in a way that honors God.
Skill In Handling Situations:
It’s the supernatural ability to see how to handle a situation as directed by the Holy Spirit. It is often seen in leadership, counsel, and conflict resolution.
Examples:
Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream and subsequent counsel.
Genesis 41:33-40 (ESV) “Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh proceed to appoint overseers over the land and take one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven plentiful years. And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. That food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine that are to occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish through the famine.”
Jesus’ response to the Pharisees about paying taxes.
Matthew 22:15-22 (ESV) “Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.””
Solomon’s request for wisdom to govern Israel.
1 Kings 3:9 (ESV) “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”
KEY DIFFERENCES AND RELATIONSHIP
Knowledge is informative, wisdom is directional: Knowledge provides the information, while wisdom helps in applying that information effectively and rightly.
Knowledge fuels wisdom and serves as the foundation for wisdom, allowing deeper understanding and discernment.
Both are essential for a strong Christian walk, but wisdom ensures knowledge is used correctly.
James 3:13-17 (ESV) “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
CONCLUSION
Knowledge is about knowing God’s truth and facts, while wisdom is about applying that knowledge in practical, God-honoring ways. These gifts work best together, with knowledge providing the “what” and wisdom providing the “how”.
END OF POST
SEVERAL OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY
9 Holy Spirit Gifts: What Christians Need To Know.
What Does The Holy Spirit Do For The Born Again Believer?
COMMENTS
If this post has helped, encouraged or blessed you, we would appreciate you leaving a comment in the “Leave A Reply Section” located at the bottom of this post.
Do you want a new life? Do you know for sure where you are going when you die? Are you ready? Please click on and read our God’s Free Gift Of Eternal Life! page in the header above to find out.
To find and read all of our blog posts, click on our Read All Blog Posts Page in the header above.