For example, you may ride in an automobile, but that doesn't make you an automobile. In other
words, sometimes a word of wisdom is conveyed through the vehicle of prophecy, but it really
isn't prophecy in and of itself. It is a word of wisdom. In other words, prophecy can just be the
vehicle through which the word of wisdom comes.
The simple gift of prophecy as listed in First Corinthians 14:3 is given for ". . . edification, and
exhortation, and comfort." There is no element of prediction or foretelling in the simple gift of
prophecy whatsoever. Therefore, you can tell when an utterance is no longer just the simple
gift of prophecy in operation because it will include some revelation in it.
When these elements of prediction and foretelling are in operation in one who is in the ministry
(particularly in the office of the prophet), although the preThe Gift of the Word of Wisdom
diction may come by prophecy, it is really a word of wisdom in manifestation. This is
particularly true if the prediction comes through a minister who stands in the office of the
prophet. Prophecy, then, is just the vehicle through which the word of wisdom comes.
A word of wisdom may be manifested through the vehicle of prophecy in any Spirit-filled
believer's life in his own private prayer life, as the Spirit wills, as the believer prays out the plan
of God for his own life (John 16:13,14). We will discuss this in greater detail in Chapter 18.
However, that is not to say that the word of wisdom will be manifested in the believer's life in
public ministry through prophecy.
In public ministry, the word of wisdom or any of the revelation gifts coming through the vehicle
of prophecy, especially on more of a continual basis, will normally come through the office of
the prophet. Revelation gifts can also come through those who are called to the fivefold
ministry, but will more frequently manifest in the office of the prophet.
If a person is just used in the simple gift of prophecy but does not have these revelation gifts in
operation, then his prophesying is the simple gift of prophecy in demonstration. And it is used
to bring edification, exhortation, and comfort — not revelation.
Therefore, the word of wisdom can come through the vocal gift of an utterance — through
prophecy or through tongues and interpretation. The word of wisdom can also come through a
vision or by a dream. For instance, in the Old Testament, Joseph received a word of wisdom
through a dream which revealed to him God's plans and purposes for Joseph's future.
Moses received the revelation of the Law by an audible Voice as God gave him the Law. The
Law concerned God's purpose for Israel; therefore, this was the word of wisdom in
demonstration.
Also, the prophets of the Old Testament who prophesied concerning Israel's future — even
things that are yet to be fulfilled — did so by the word of wisdom. The Old Testament prophets
prophesied it, but it was a word of wisdom that was actually manifested because it foretold
future events.
The Word of Knowledge and the Word of Wisdom Operating Together in The New
Testament
John on the Isle of Patmos