There are nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit:
To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of Wisdom, to another the utterance of Knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another Faith by the same Spirit, to another Gifts of Healing by the one Spirit, to another the Working of Miracles, to another Prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between Spirits, to another various kinds of tongues (languages), to another the Interpretation of tongues (languages). All these are inspired by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He Wills.
1 Corinthians 12:8-11
Notice the word utterance when bringing forth the Gifts of Wisdom and Knowledge, showing it is the Holy Spirit speaking through the person, not the individual himself bringing forth his limited wisdom and knowledge! These two gifts are also employed by the Prophet when foretelling the future or giving advice in a situation.
The Gift of Faith is sometimes confused with one of the Gifts of Healing, because the person using the gift is free from all doubt from the moment the gift is employed; through laying on of hands or through command; the person is healed. The Gift of Faith is a spiritual Tool and not to be confused with what faith the individual has within.
All the Gifts of Healing are seldom given to one individual. One person may have a Gift of Healing for cancer, while another a Gift of Healing ‘Bad Backs’. Healing is done as any other Gift of the Spirit is employed, at the discretion of the Spirit!
The Working of Miracles (Dunamis – Power) is sometimes confused with Healing. This gift may be worked negatively as well as positively. If we lay hands on a person to extend a short leg, this is a miracle for all to behold; it is a great faith builder for all those who witness it. I have used this gift on a hundred occasions with dramatic results. We may want to blind an individual temporarily to punish him for blasphemy, evil intent, etc., as Paul did to El’ymas the magician, and the Angels did at Sodom. This gift is never to be used in Anger, but in Spiritual Indignance as directed by the Spirit!
The Gift of Prophecy is another gift of utterance that encourages, consoles, and uplifts. This gift does not foretell the past, present, or future. Although a higher gift than the gift of Languages, I would certainly pursue one of the other higher gifts at this day and time. Note: Tongues and Interpretation are equal to prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:3,5).
The Ability to Distinguish between Spirits is not merely distinguishing between good and evil spirits, but to distinguish between evil spirits — to know their names, their functions, and their intent. I have seen a few saints perform this gift with great expertise.
Speaking in Various kinds of Tongues (Languages) are not languages given for individual edification, but for the building up of the body of Christ and for unbelievers. I have spoken to many in their own native language and won them to Christ through the Spirit without “lofty words of wisdom”.
I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God in lofty words of wisdom.
My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the SPIRIT AND POWER that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the POWER OF God.
1 Corinthians 2:1,4
In my opinion, we would be much better off to send our missionaries to foreign soil with the Gift of Languages and Interpretation, than to Foreign Language Schools. Anyone that has the Gift of Languages is not complete without the Power of Interpretation.
Therefore he who speaks in a tongue (Unknown Language) should pray for the power to interpret.
1 Corinthians 14:13