Word of wisdom

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the LDS (Mormon) doctrine, see Word of Wisdom.

Word of wisdom is regarded among Charismatics and Pentecostals to be the supernatural revelation of wisdom through the power of the Holy Spirit. This gift is noted in 1 Corinthians 12:8.

While the word of wisdom may generally be a spontaneous manifestation of a God-given insight or perspective to the mind or spirit of the believer, references to God’s secret wisdom in 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 and elsewhere in the letter may enhance the understanding of this gift. The secret wisdom pertains to the Gospel that Paul preached. This wisdom relates to that which God had previously hidden and destined for the glory of believers. It is a wisdom that speaks of those things that God has prepared for those who love Him.

These emphases from the broader context of the Corinthian letter could imply that the gift known as the “word of wisdom” involves insight into God’s plans and preparations for the Christian believer. These things are not made known through human wisdom; they are revealed or manifested by the Holy Spirit. As is the case with all of the manifestation gifts, in light of 1 Corinthians 13, the expectation in the community of faith is that the word of wisdom be exercised out of a heart of love.