The Word of Wisdom

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom;…” 1 Corinthians 12v8 (KJV)

“To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, …” 1 Corinthians 12v8 (NIV)

Wisdom can be seen as an application of knowledge. Wisdom is very important and in fact Proverbs 4v7 (KJV) says “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” An example of wisdom in action is seen in Ecclesiastes 10v10 (NLT) which tells us that “Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.” Now, there are different types of wisdom. The wisdom from the devil, the wisdom of man, and the wisdom of God. James 3v14-16 (NIV) talks of the devilish kind of wisdom saying “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but it is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” The wisdom of men, which one pastor called common sense, can sometimes be good e.g. how to budget money, spend wisely e.t.c. but other times get one in trouble e.g. telling white lies to get out of trouble, cutting corners and so on. We however want the wisdom of God “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1v25, NIV).

Supplementary Text

“But the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity).” James 3v17 (AMP)

Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your Word which tells us that if any man lacks wisdom we should ask of God who gives freely without upbraiding. We ask for Your wisdom today. We ask that You purge us from every devilish inspired wisdom and unprofitable human wisdom, and grant us that wisdom from above which helps us to succeed in Jesus name, amen.

Reference

Pastor E.A. Adeboye (1997). God the Holy Spirit. Lagos: Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.