What is the difference between the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge?
The Word of Wisdom and the Word of Knowledge are distinct gifts given by the same Holy Spirit to different believers in the congregation. One believer receives the Word of Wisdom; another receives the Word of Knowledge. Both are provided by God for the Church's needs, but the passage does not explain their exact difference further.
Les explains from verse 8 that the Word of Wisdom is given by the Spirit to one believer in the congregation, while the Word of Knowledge is given to another—but both come by the same Holy Spirit. He says these are things the Church needed, and God is providing men with these particular abilities. The context does not elaborate on the precise distinction between the two gifts beyond showing they are separate administrations by the same Spirit. Les also stresses that believers should not demand specific gifts; instead, they should say, 'Lord, here I am, I'm available, use me,' and let Him direct them. Verse 9 adds that to another is given faith by the same Holy Spirit.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;