Gift of Wisdom (I Corinthians 12:8)

This gift is the ability to gain insight on how knowledge may best be applied to specific needs in the Body of Christ. This involves applying Biblical truths to everyday situations. It also involves special insight into the profundity and implications of how God is working in the world, especially to further the Gospel.

This wisdom is intended to be communicated. This is why it is called the “message of wisdom.” (I Corinthians 12:8)
This wisdom involves revelation from God. It may be direct or unwritten revelation. (I Corinthians 2:6-16)
Use of this gift will be accompanied by purity, peace, consideration, submission, fullness of mercy, fullness of the Fruit of the Spirit, impartiality, and sincerity. (James 3:13-18)
This gift can be used to:
- Answer an unbeliever’s arguments. (I Peter 3:15)
- Solve problems facing the Body of Christ.
- Apply to believer’s conduct. (Paul’s epistles)
All believers should exemplify some wisdom. (Colossians 1: 9-12)

Biblical Examples:

Acts 6:1-6 — The idea to select deacons.
Acts 15:13-21 — The resolution suggested by James in handling the controversy.
Compare Romans 11:33-35 with I Corinthians 2:6-10.

Possible Characteristics of this Gift:

You enjoy the application passages of scripture rather than the doctrinal.
You find yourself praying for insight on how to apply truths to needs around you.
You are disappointed if a message does not include some specific applications.
You observe many problems which have solutions.
Many times, in prayer, meditation, or scripture study, solutions will come to mind.
Sometimes you see solutions to problems that no one else seems to see.
You become frustrated when people do not listen to your solution because you know it will work.
You enjoy working on solutions to problems more than you do applying all the details of the solutions to the problems.
People come to you with their personal problems for insight. They see you as a problem solver.
You have an analytical mind which is always trying to figure out how and why.
You usually get to the heart of an issue quickly.
You find it easy to decide on a course of action which needs to be taken.
You communicate your thoughts clearly and usually others listen to you.
You can organize and motivate people to accomplish a desired task.