Topical Bible: The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Wisdom

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Definition and Nature

Wisdom, as a spiritual gift from God, is the ability to discern and apply divine truth in practical ways. It is not merely human intelligence or knowledge but a profound understanding that aligns with God's will and purposes. This gift enables believers to make decisions that reflect God's character and advance His kingdom.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the value and importance of wisdom. In the Old Testament, wisdom is personified and extolled, particularly in the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job. Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding" . This verse highlights that true wisdom originates from God and is imparted to those who seek Him.

In the New Testament, wisdom is listed among the spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, writes, "To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:8). This indicates that wisdom is a distinct and divinely granted ability, meant to edify the church and guide believers in their spiritual journey.

Characteristics and Manifestation

The spiritual gift of wisdom is characterized by several key attributes:

1. Discernment: The ability to perceive the true nature of a situation and make judgments that align with God's truth. This involves distinguishing between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and choosing the path that honors God.

2. Practical Application: Wisdom is not theoretical but practical. It involves applying biblical principles to everyday life, making decisions that reflect God's will, and providing guidance to others.

3. Peace and Order: James 3:17 describes the wisdom from above as "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere" . This wisdom promotes harmony and righteousness within the community of believers.

4. Humility: True wisdom is marked by humility, recognizing that it is a gift from God and not a result of personal merit. James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that He "gives generously to all without finding fault" .

Role in the Church

The gift of wisdom plays a crucial role in the life of the church. It aids in teaching, counseling, and decision-making processes. Leaders endowed with this gift can guide the congregation through complex issues, ensuring that the church remains faithful to biblical teachings and principles.

Wisdom also fosters unity within the body of Christ. By promoting understanding and cooperation, it helps to resolve conflicts and build a community that reflects the love and truth of God.

Examples in Scripture

Several biblical figures exemplify the gift of wisdom. King Solomon is perhaps the most renowned, having asked God for wisdom to govern His people. In response, God granted him unparalleled wisdom, as seen in his judgments and writings (1 Kings 3:9-12).

In the New Testament, Stephen, one of the first deacons, is described as being "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" and possessing wisdom that his adversaries could not refute (Acts 6:10). His wisdom was evident in his powerful testimony and defense of the faith.

Conclusion

The spiritual gift of wisdom is a vital and cherished endowment from God, enabling believers to navigate life's complexities with divine insight and understanding. It is a gift that should be earnestly sought and faithfully exercised for the glory of God and the edification of His church.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom: out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraides not; and it shall be given him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

From the Gifts of Divine Grace which we Receive through Christ He ...
... Chapter V. From the gifts of Divine grace which we ... grace of Christ is contained the
whole grace of God. ... as it is certainly wanting in spiritual wisdom and has ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter v from the gifts.htm

Spiritual Gifts.
... different nature are the extraordinary, purely spiritual charismata, of ... outside of
the Kingdom of God; and the ... But those natural gifts appear in the Church in ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii spiritual gifts.htm

The Gifts of Heavenly Wisdom
... Sometimes Wisdom's hands do not hold these outward gifts. ... One prime condition of
healthy spiritual life is the ... our gaze upon the facts of God's revelation and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the gifts of heavenly wisdom.htm

Of a Spiritual Meeting of God and Ourselves
... OF A SPIRITUAL MEETING OF GOD AND OURSELVES. ... The soul should also rest in God above
all the jewels and all the gifts which it may send back to God by its own ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xxv of a spiritual.htm

Of Two Spiritual Martyrdoms, Wherewith God Cleanseth the Soul that ...
... by an inordinate desire of sublime Gifts, by the Appetite of feeling spiritual
Consolation, by ... holy Mountain of Perfection, and of Transformation with God! ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap iv of two spiritual.htm

The Spiritual Gifts.
... and affection sanctified and raised to the spiritual sphere, or ... the experience of
the saving love of God in Christ ... but the soul of all the gifts, guarding them ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 45 the spiritual gifts.htm

Man the Image of the Creator, and Christ the Head of the Man ...
... last days appeared as the dispenser of spiritual gifts (as the ... the fulness of the
time was come, God sent forth ... he, "by the Spirit the word of wisdom;" this we ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter viii man the image of.htm

On the Diversity of Spiritual Gifts.
... in God through Christ, [3563] that has not received some spiritual gift: for ... of the
faithful who is not vouchsafed the same: for the gifts of God which are ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on the diversity of.htm

After the Preceding Ways, There Remains an after Way, Preparatory ...
... IS TREATED IN DETAIL IN THE FOLLOWING TREATISE, ENTITLED "SPIRITUAL TORRENTS.". ... which
is so constituted that even the richest gifts of God cannot thoroughly ...
/.../chapter xix after the preceding.htm

Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers.
... The names and nature of the spiritual gifts, the apostle ... tongues and to interpret,
extraordinary gifts of faith ... which teaches a knowledge of God, revealing his ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/tenth sunday after trinity spiritual.htm