1 Corinthians 12:8-11 (WEL) 8 For the word of wisdom is given by the Spirit to one, to another the word of knowledge by that same Spirit. 9 To another faith by that same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by that same Spirit. 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another variety of languages; to another the interpretation of languages. 11 But that one and same Spirit works all these, dividing to everyone individually just as he wants.
V8 For the word of wisdom is given by the Spirit to one, to another the word of knowledge by that same Spirit.
Paul is still teaching about spiritual gifts that are given and ministered through a believer.
The word of wisdom is a gift of God to know the right course of action, the answer to a problem or situation, and in teaching. This wisdom is not worldly wisdom, but wisdom imparted from God, the source of all wisdom. I define wisdom as knowledge (of facts) + understanding (how and why the fact works, etc.) + experience = the best choice of action or response. It is also the ability to explain it clearly and understandably. God’s wisdom is perfect and flawless. Stephen is an example (Acts 6:10 and Acts 7).
The word of knowledge is insight into events, hearts, motives, etc. to build, rebuke, encourage believers, and respond to disbelievers with insight. I define knowledge as knowing the facts of a topic. Hushai the Archite is an example of wisdom and knowledge (2 Samuel 16:7-14).
Webster 1828 defines wisdom 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. If wisdom is to be considered as a faculty of the mind, it is the faculty of discerning or judging what is most just, proper, and useful, and if it is to be considered as an acquirement, it is the knowledge and use of what is best, most just, most proper, most conducive to prosperity or happiness. Wisdom in the first sense, or practical wisdom, is nearly synonymous with discretion. It differs somewhat from prudence, in this respect; prudence is the exercise of sound judgment in avoiding evils; wisdom is the exercise of sound judgment either in avoiding evils or attempting good. Prudence then is a species of which wisdom is the genus.”
V9 To another faith by that same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by that same Spirit.
The gift of faith is to believe God, primarily the words of the Bible, and act on them. It is believing God’s words and obeying them even if outwardly it seems impossible or without effect.
Some examples are Abraham rescuing Lot along with others from five kings, Moses calling for the ten plagues on Egypt, Elijah on Mount Carmel, Daniel in the lion’s den, and the three Hebrew young men in the fiery furnace. Hebrews 11 has many examples.
V10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another variety of languages; to another the interpretation of languages.
Regarding miracles, we see the Lord Jesus and the Apostles doing many miracles.
Prophecy is basically knowing God’s perfect will of the current time or in the future and announcing it to others.
Discernment of spirits reveals a false prophet, etc., from the true.
Speaking in unknown languages and interpreting them.
“[Fulfilled prophecy] is equivalent to any miracle, and is of itself evidently miraculous. The foreknowledge of the actions of free and intelligent agents is one of the most incomprehensible attributes of the Deity, and is exclusively a divine perfection. … No clearer testimony or greater assurance of the truth can be given, and if men do not believe Moses and the prophets, neither would they be persuaded though one arose from the dead. … The voice of Omnipotence alone could call the dead from the tomb—the voice of Omniscience alone could tell all that lay hid in dark futurity, which to man is as impenetrable as the mansions of the dead—and both are alike the voice of God.” (Alexander Keith, Christian Evidences: Fulfilled Bible Prophecy, p. 8).
V11 But that one and same Spirit works all these, dividing to everyone individually just as he wants.
The Holy Spirit is the source, not ourselves. If we detect these gifts in our lives, then we must be careful to give God the praise.
We learn:
- Our ministry, whatever it is, needs the assisting grace of the Holy Spirit to be successful.
- Examples of believers using these gifts.
Questions:
- Are you using your gift?
- Are you praying for wisdom?