Common and Special Words of Wisdom A natural and supernatural seeing into the future, the things of God for us, His people

Part 1: Common Daily Wisdom: "Remaining Reverent to the Word"

I Corinthians 12:7 says, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."

We operate in common wisdom daily; God helps us in making practical decisions as simple as what to have for breakfast, how to plan our day, and how to follow Him fully. This common wisdom is for all who accept and seek after the things of God; He knows our hearts and responds to our faith. This faith in God allows His Holy Spirit to lead us by a Word or Words of Wisdom, used to fulfill a common task, with excellence!

In Job 28:12, Job asks a question: "But where can wisdom be found?" This question is answered in Job 28:28: "The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom." Proverbs 4:7 states, "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have get understanding." The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them. A covenant is a mutual agreement between God and man, with conditions and consequences spelled out. Our covenant and promises from God are found in the Bible.

He gave us all power and authority in His Word, to use His Word, to seek His Word, and to fulfill His Word. He expects that of us. He gave us His only Son so that we could accomplish His Word; His Son left us a Helper, the Holy Spirit. Jesus said in John 14:16–17, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you. He, the Holy Spirit, is in us to help us walk out the daily plans and purposes of God."

We are given common words of wisdom to keep us reverent to the Master, allowing Him to guide our daily lives.

The words of wisdom might be defined as "a supernatural revelation of the mind and purpose of God communicated by the Holy Spirit." We must live aware; staying connected to the Word of God affords us a hearing and a completion of these common and special gifts of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 64:9 has the beginning of this common wisdom: "All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what He has done." Amen!

While reading the Bible one day and meditating about the spiritual gifts, I received a revelation to write a book. I had just purchased a book titled Questions and Answers on Spiritual Gifts, written by Howard Carter, and although I had never read it, I knew the gist of the book. My wife was downstairs reading the new book; when she came upstairs I told her of my revelation and all the parts of it. She excitedly said, "That's exactly what that new book you bought is about." I knew the contents without ever reading the book. This revelation was a common gift of knowing as well as a common word of wisdom. I knew what to do now, and I knew of future events, although just enough for me to take the next step, not complete the book. I very quickly knew also that I needed to be prompt to do it, as God had spoken to my heart, "If you fail to do this, I will find someone who will." I knew this to be true from God's Word and Jesus' teaching about the talents found in Matthew 25:14–30.

The Bible tells us that Solomon had great wisdom, more than anyone before or after his time; Solomon shows us the benefits of wisdom in Proverbs 8:17–21 (Wisdom is speaking): "I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full."

Paul prays for the Ephesians that God would give them the spirit of wisdom so they would know Him more. The spirit of wisdom is a defining characteristic of those who belong to the family of God. Jesus had this everyday wisdom from the Father once He realized who He was, and all He possessed in Him (Isaiah 11:2–3). It is common wisdom to follow the Lord's leading; He is in us and leads us by the Holy Spirit; that's why we covet earnestly these best gifts.

We also gain understanding as we operate in the will of God. God's will for us is taught, not given, as found in Psalm 143:10, which says, "Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground." What is God's will? It is His Word; it is how He created all things. God willed, and then He spoke; we too will then speak. Amen! Willing is a very strong power; it is the power of choice. As we are open to, and choose to, be led by the Holy Spirit, we purpose in ourselves to be blameless and faithful, thus ministering to God by our thoughts, our love for one another, and our actions. His common wisdom given to us is first of all pure, and then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere (James 3:17). Wisdom sounds and reacts much like love; the wisdom of God comes from Love Himself. So get wisdom.

God commends and cares for us as we follow His way; we have an intuitive look at our now, as well as a seeing into our future. We must see (perceive) and do God's will for us; this affords us wisdom of the first degree. We must seek His way and never turn away from doing all the good we know to do—never complaining, never flattering for gain, never mocking, as these are symptoms of a hardening heart. A hardened heart leads us away from God—our only source of true wisdom! Jude has a great example in Jude 14–19. He discusses the ungodly folks, doing ungodly acts, living in ungodly ways; ungodly seems to be a common theme here. Jude goes on to...