In prophetic literature (Isaiah 11:2, Revelation 1:4), the Holy Spirit is described as having seven traits. We have observed the number seven appearing in previous posts; in Biblical numerology, seven is the number of completion (i.e. seven weekdays, seven of all “clean” animals on Noah’s ark, etc.), so in this case it is applied to the nature of GOD the Holy Spirit, showing that these traits encompass the core of who GOD is.
Spirit of the LORD
“But when the Helper comes, who I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27
The Holy Spirit is the essence of GOD, being one (in character) with the Father and the Son. GOD does not contradict himself, so when we hear the Spirit speak to/move in us, we can know with certainty that He will be in accordance with the will of the Father and the words of the Son.
Spirit of Wisdom
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of GOD, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
Knowledge is data or information, while wisdom is our actions or lifestyle. It pleases GOD when we live according to His wisdom, so when we ask Him for it, He generously provides it for all our needs.
Spirit of Understanding
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
“Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” 2 Timothy 2:7
Figuratively speaking, if knowledge is “what” and wisdom is “how,” then understanding is “why.” Literally translated, understanding is to “perceive the significance, explanation, or cause…” To better understand GOD’s creation and ourselves as His people, getting to know the Creator Himself is the way to go.
Spirit of Counsel
“The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.” Psalm 33:10-11
In the Proverbs, we are instructed to “acknowledge [GOD] in all [our] ways;” in the journey of life, He is our Guide who walks with us and shows us the path that we should be traveling. We can make our own plans, but we should always make sure that they align with GOD’s design for us; otherwise, we risk walking off the path and wander into trouble that we might have otherwise avoided. Troubles will come, but ignoring GOD’s counsel only makes them worse.
Spirit of Might
“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.” Isaiah 40:29
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’” 2 Corinthians 12:9a
A common saying in recent generations is that “GOD is GOD, and I am not.” In recognizing who GOD is, we also recognize His omnipotence over all situations. He can move and work in ways that we never imagined, but never to excess; He grants us strength enough to overcome obstacles, but never enough to just skate by. In a way, this is a form of “daily bread;” like grace, GOD never pours out power in excess or shortage – He gives us enough for our needs. The important thing to remember, though, is that GOD is our source of strength to face each day; without Him, we are unable to live as He calls us to do. In any situation, any trial, any hardship, He is always there with us to protect and uphold us, no matter how bad the storm may grow.
Spirit of Knowledge
“The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” Proverbs 18:15
“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to seek that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the LORD, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of GOD…” Colossians 1:9-10
We learn more about GOD through: 1) His Word, 2) life experiences of our fellow believers (past and present), and 3) seeking Him through prayer. The longer we walk with GOD and the deeper we draw into His presence, the more we learn of Him and trust in Him.
Spirit of Fear of the LORD
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” Proverbs 8:13
“The fear of the LORD prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened.” Proverbs 10:27
In this case, “fear” means reverent respect, as a child respects their parent and their wishes. As GOD’s children, we become more like GOD after learning who He is (in authority, in character, etc.) and allowing Him to mold us into His image. Through obedience and faithful living, we learn how to walk in the steps He has shown us in His Word.