What is the word of wisdom?

Chuck Smith, Living Water, chapter 9: The Bible teaches that beyond wisdom in general, there is a specific gift of the Holy Spirit that is called the "word of wisdom." This is not a vast reservoir that you can draw upon at according to your own whim. It does not make you some kind of guru, that you can say, "Anything you want to know, just come to me and I will open up my treasures of wisdom." It doesn't work like that - it isn't a reservoir of wisdom that you can tap at will. Rather, it is an anointing of the Spirit that comes upon you in a time of need, and gives you the right words to say. A word of wisdom comes when critical issues arise and important decisions must be made. It is a wise word that is so right it brings divided factions together. When people hear it they say, "Oh, yes. That's good!" From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.

Verified. Every scripture quotation on this page has been checked word-for-word against the King James text. Last reviewed 2026-10-16.