The Spirit of Wisdom And Understanding

The Spirit of Wisdom and understanding focused bible passages: Deut.34:9 & Prov.4:7-8

• Deuteronomy 34:9 (NKJV):
  “Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.”
• Proverbs 4:7-8 (NKJV):
  “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.”

Introduction – The Spirit of Wisdom And Understanding

Throughout the Bible, the Spirit of Wisdom is shown to be essential for fulfilling God’s purposes. This divine wisdom, given by the Holy Spirit, empowers us to make sound judgments, lead effectively, and walk in alignment with God’s plan.

Wisdom isn't just intellectual knowledge; it is the skill to live life according to God’s design.

The Holy Spirit gives us many good gifts. One of them is wisdom. Another is understanding. These help us know what is right and make good choices.

When we have the Spirit of Wisdom, we:

• Know what to do in hard times
• See problems clearly
• Give good advice to others

When we have the Spirit of Understanding, we:

• Learn things quickly
• Listen well to others
• Understand what the Bible says

God gives these gifts to help us grow. We do not have to be smart on our own. The Holy Spirit helps our minds and hearts work together. This makes life better and our choices stronger.

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, willing to yield…” — James 3:17

If you ever feel confused when studying the bible, you can stop and pray. Ask for wisdom and understanding. He is always ready to help.

Let’s further explore what true wisdom looks like, why it matters, and how to cultivate it through intimacy with the Holy Spirit.

What Is Wisdom?

The American Heritage Dictionary defines wisdom as:

"The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight. Common sense; good judgment."

This definition shows us that wisdom has at least three vital implications:

• Moral Implications – discerning what is right and good.
• Intellectual Implications – discerning what is true.
• Time Implications – discerning what is lasting and will stand the test of time.

Biblical Understanding of Wisdom

The Hebrew word for wisdom is Hochma, which originally referred to skill or craftsmanship. For example:

Exodus 28:3 (KJV)

“And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments…”

In this context, wisdom was not just knowledge—it was practical ability, the skill to follow God’s precise instructions in creating the priestly garments.

Therefore, in biblical thought, wisdom is applied knowledge—the ability to skillfully live life in alignment with God’s design.

God as the Source of Wisdom

God Himself used wisdom in creation:

Proverbs 3:19-20 (NKJV)

“The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew.”

So, clearly, wisdom is foundational to God’s creative and sustaining work. If we desire to build anything lasting—whether a home, ministry, business, or career—we need divine wisdom.

As Proverbs 14:1 reminds us:

"The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands."

Wisdom as a Gift of the Holy Spirit

Wisdom is a special gift from the Holy Spirit. It helps us make good choices. It shows us the right thing to do, even when life is hard. Wisdom is not just being smart. It means seeing things the way God sees them.

When the Holy Spirit gives us wisdom, it helps us:

• Know what is right and what is wrong
• Stay calm when we feel upset
• Say kind and helpful words
• Make choices that please God

Here are some simple ways wisdom can show up:

1. Saying sorry first in a fight
2. Helping a friend who feels sad
3. Waiting for the right time to speak
4. Choosing to forgive, even when it’s hard

“If any of you needs wisdom, ask God for it. He will give it to you.”
— James 1:5 (Easy-to-Read Version)

Wisdom from the Holy Spirit helps in big and small things. It helps us at school, at home, and with our friends. When we ask God, He is happy to give us His wisdom.

Who Is the Spirit of Wisdom?

The Holy Spirit is the embodiment of all godly wisdom. When He chooses to express Himself through discernment, counsel, and strategic insight, He is manifesting as the Spirit of Wisdom.

Isaiah 11:2 (NIV):

“The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord.”

This passage reveals that wisdom is not just a trait—it is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. When we seek closeness with the Holy Spirit, we gain access to divine insight that human intellect alone cannot offer.

Why We Need this Spirit

Proverbs 4:7-9 (NKJV):

"Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you."

Wisdom is not optional—it is the principal thing. According to this passage:

• Wisdom promotes you.
• Wisdom brings honor.
• Wisdom bestows grace and glory.

Real-Life Illustration: Knowing Where to Tinker

Consider the story below:

“Automaker Henry Ford once asked electrical genius Charlie Steinmetz to build the generators for his factory. One day, the generators stopped working. The repairmen couldn’t fix them. So Ford called Steinmetz, who tinkered for a few hours and restored the power. Ford later received a bill for $10,000. Surprised, Ford asked for an explanation.

Steinmetz replied: “For tinkering with the generators: $10. For knowing where to tinker: $9,990.”

The lesson? Wisdom is knowing what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. It's not just effort, but insight that brings results.

The Spirit of Wisdom on Joshua

When Moses laid hands on Joshua, he became “full of the spirit of wisdom” (Deut. 34:9). This wisdom was not merely human intelligence; it was supernatural ability to lead God’s people into the Promised Land—despite opposition and challenges.

Likewise, when this spirit rests upon you:

• You gain clarity of purpose.
• You receive divine strategies.
• You obtain boldness and discernment to overcome obstacles.

Just as Joshua led Israel to victory, you too can reach your Promised Land in life, ministry, business, or family—if you walk in divine wisdom.

How to Cultivate This Spirit

Pursue a Relationship with the Holy Spirit

• Intimacy with Him releases insight.

Study the Word of God

• God’s Word is the wellspring of wisdom.

Seek Godly Counsel

• Wisdom is often transmitted through wise mentors and teachers.

Practice Discernment

• Apply what you’ve learned to real-life decisions.

Pray for Wisdom Daily

• James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, and He will give generously.

Final Thoughts on The Spirit of Wisdom Sermon

The Spirit of Wisdom is more than just an attribute; it is a divine empowerment from the Holy Spirit. It enables us to make choices that align with God’s purpose and lead us to success that endures. Whether you are a leader like Joshua, the wisdom from above will always guide, strengthen, and elevate you.

In summary of this, the spirit of wisdom revelation, it is the God-given ability to perceive the true nature of a matter, discern what is right and true, and apply sound judgment in decision-making.

Today, make it your prayer to grow in intimacy with the Holy Spirit, and you will see the manifestation of His wisdom in every area of your life.