These two phrases are found in 1 Corinthians 12:7-8, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the WORD OF WISDOM through the Spirit, to another the WORD OF KNOWLEDGE through the same Spirit.” If we were to read verses 1-11 we would see that these are two of the “spiritual gifts” that are given to believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe these two gifts are related but they are not the same. WISDOM as been defined as “the ability to judge what is true and right” while KNOWLEDGE means “to know something through experience or study.” It has also been said that “Wisdom is applying the knowledge we have” which leads to blessing for ourselves and others. Knowledge without wisdom can lead to pride the Apostle Paul recognized this and warned us in 1 Corinthians 8:1 that “knowledge puffs up.”

Some have said that the “gift of knowledge” accompanies the “gift of teaching,” for the gifted teacher gains a “knowledge of the Word of God and then he communicates that knowledge to others.” But this knowledge may only reach one’s MIND if they aren’t obedient to the Word that they receive, resulting in pride and a failure to glorify God in their life. The “gift of wisdom” accompanies the “gift of a pastor (shepherd)” for the gifted pastor applies this knowledge to one’s HEART and CONSCIENCE resulting in a conviction to obey God’s Word in one’s LIFE. Thus, these two gifts “complement one another” and this is why those two gifts are mentioned together in Ephesians 4:11 where we read that Christ “gave…some pastors and teachers.” The teacher will open up the truth of God’s Word in a simple way so believers can understand it and hopefully apply it in their lives to the glory of God and for their blessing. The pastor will make sure they are applying the knowledge of God’s Word in their lives and if they aren’t, he will, as one has said, “Press the truth home upon the conscience in the power of the Holy Spirit.”

I would encourage you to read the book of Proverbs where knowledge and wisdom are spoken of throughout its 31 chapters. It is the most practical book in the entire Bible for it gives us “FACTS that we need to KNOW, and the WISDOM to apply those facts.” Solomon, who was inspired to write this book, gained much knowledge as a young boy, but he needed wisdom from God to use it. In 1 Kings 3:5 we learn that “the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask! What shall I give you?” In verses 7-9 Solomon replied, “Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant AN UNDERSTANDING HEART TO JUDGE YOUR PEOPLE, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” In verse 10 we read that “the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing and in verse 12 He answers him, “Behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a WISE and UNDERSTANDING HEART.” I would encourage you to read verses 15-27 where Solomon’s wisdom was tested and he displayed such remarkable wisdom that we read, in verse 28: “And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had rendered; and they feared the king, for they saw that the WISDOM OF GOD was in him to administer justice.”

In closing, is the “wisdom of God” with you? As we have seen, we need KNOWLEDGE first, but then we need WISDOM to apply that knowledge. May you start each day by reading God’s Word where you will gain both the knowledge and the wisdom of God and these two will especially be learned by learning about Christ, “In Whom are hid all the treasures of WISDOM and KNOWLEDGE” (Colossians 2:3).  (DO)  (621.3)