The charism of wisdom is a spiritual gift that is believed to be granted by the Holy Spirit to individuals who seek and serve God with humility and devotion. This gift is based on the belief that God can reveal divine truths to those who are open to receiving them.
Characteristics of the Charism
In practice, the charism of wisdom is often used by individuals to discern God’s will in their lives, to make wise decisions in difficult situations, and to share insights and guidance with others. It is also used to deepen one’s understanding of scripture and to gain a deeper appreciation of the mysteries of the faith.
Those who possess the charism of wisdom are often seen as trusted advisors and mentors, sought out for their insight and guidance. They may also have a calming and reassuring presence, and are often able to offer a fresh perspective on difficult problems or situations.
The charism of wisdom is not limited to religious leaders or professionals, but can be granted to anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of God and a closer relationship with Him. It is a gift that can be developed and strengthened through prayer, study, and service to others.
While the charism of wisdom and the charism of teaching both involve spiritual gifts granted by the Holy Spirit, they are distinct in their focus and application.
The charism of teaching is primarily concerned with the communication of knowledge and understanding to others. Those who possess this gift are able to explain complex concepts in a clear and understandable way, and are able to inspire and motivate others to learn and grow in their faith. They may be teachers, preachers, or evangelists, and are often able to communicate effectively across cultural and linguistic barriers.
In contrast, the charism of wisdom is focused more on discernment and guidance. Those who possess this gift are able to see situations and problems from a spiritual perspective, and are able to offer insights and guidance based on their understanding of God’s will. They may not necessarily have the same level of communication skills as those with the charism of teaching, but they are often seen as wise and trusted advisors.
While both gifts are valuable and important in the life of the Church, they serve different functions and are often manifested in different ways. Someone with the charism of teaching might be an effective preacher or catechist, while someone with the charism of wisdom might be a spiritual director or mentor.
To exercise the charism of wisdom, a person must be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and willing to engage in prayer, study, and service to others. They must seek to deepen their relationship with God and cultivate an attitude of humility and receptivity to His will.
How the Charism is Exercised
Some ways that a person might exercise the charism of wisdom include:
Discernment: A person with the charism of wisdom can use their spiritual insight to discern God’s will in difficult situations. They can offer guidance and support to others who are seeking direction.
Advice and counsel: Those with the charism of wisdom can offer wise and thoughtful advice to others. They can be a trusted confidant and provide a sounding board for those who are struggling with difficult decisions.
Teaching: While not the primary focus of the charism of wisdom, those who possess this gift can also be effective teachers. They can help others gain a deeper understanding of scripture and the mysteries of the faith.
Leadership: Those with the charism of wisdom can be effective leaders, able to inspire and guide others in their personal and spiritual lives. They can help to build strong communities and foster a sense of shared purpose.
Problem-solving: A person with the charism of wisdom can apply their spiritual insight to practical problems in the world. They can help to find creative solutions to complex issues, using their understanding of God’s will to guide their actions.
Interpersonal relationships: Those with the charism of wisdom can be excellent mediators and peacemakers. They can help to resolve conflicts and build bridges between people, using their spiritual insight to bring about healing and reconciliation.
Artistic expression: The charism of wisdom can also manifest itself in artistic expression, such as writing, music, or visual art. Those with this gift may be able to communicate deep truths about God and the human experience through their creative work.
Pitfalls in the Exercise of the Charism
However, there are also potential pitfalls when exercising the charism of wisdom. These might include:
Arrogance: Those with the charism of wisdom must be careful not to become prideful or arrogant in their knowledge and insights. They must remember that their gift comes from God, and that they are called to use it to serve others, not to elevate themselves.
Presumption: It can be tempting for those with the charism of wisdom to assume that they know God’s will in every situation. However, they must be careful not to presume that they have all the answers, or to impose their own ideas and opinions on others.
Lack of compassion: Those with the charism of wisdom must also be careful not to become too focused on knowledge and insight at the expense of compassion and empathy. They must remember that their gift is meant to help others, and that the ultimate goal is to love God and neighbor.
Ultimately, the charism of wisdom is a gift from God, and it is up to the individual to discern how best to use it in their life and in service to others. Whether through teaching, leadership, problem-solving, or artistic expression, those with this gift have the opportunity to make a significant impact in the world.
Scriptural References
James 1:5-6 – “But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind.”
1 Corinthians 2:6-7 – “Yet we do speak a wisdom to those who are mature, but not a wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age who are passing away. Rather, we speak God’s wisdom, mysterious, hidden, which God predetermined before the ages for our glory.”
Proverbs 2:6 – “For the Lord gives wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Colossians 1:9-10 – “Therefore, from the day we heard this, we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God.”
Ephesians 1:17-18 – “May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of [your] hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones.”
1 Kings 3:5-14 – The story of King Solomon, who asked God for wisdom to rule over his people, and was granted not only wisdom but also riches and honor.
Proverbs 3:13-18 – “Happy the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding! For her profit is better than profit in silver, and better than gold is her revenue. She is more precious than corals, and none of your heart’s desires can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand, in her left are riches and honor; Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.”
Wisdom 6:12-14 – “Wisdom is resplendent and unfading. She is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known in anticipation of their desire.”
Colossians 2:2-3 – “I want you to know how great a struggle I am having for you and for those in Laodicea and all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged as they are brought together in love, to have all the richness of assured understanding, for the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
James 3:13-17 – “Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.”
These verses illustrate the value of wisdom, the importance of seeking it, and the characteristics of true wisdom as opposed to false or worldly wisdom.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post