What are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit?
The short answer
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. They are permanent dispositions, received at Baptism and strengthened at Confirmation, that make us docile to the promptings of the Spirit.
Where the list comes from
Isaiah prophesied of the coming Messiah: "The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD" (Isaiah 11:2-3). The Greek and Latin translations render "fear of the Lord" twice, once as piety — giving the traditional seven. What belonged to Christ in fullness he shares with his members (CCC 1831).
The seven gifts
- Wisdom — seeing and savouring all things as God sees them.
- Understanding — penetrating the meaning of the truths of faith.
- Counsel (right judgement) — knowing the right thing to do, especially in hard situations.
- Fortitude (courage) — strength to do good and endure trials.
- Knowledge — seeing created things in their true relation to God.
- Piety (reverence) — a child's trusting love toward God the Father.
- Fear of the Lord (wonder and awe) — not terror, but reverence and a horror of offending one we love.
Gifts and fruits
The gifts are like sails that let the wind of the Spirit move us. The fruits are what results: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). Tradition lists twelve fruits (CCC 1832).
How to grow in them
Pray daily to the Holy Spirit, receive the sacraments, especially Confession and the Eucharist, and act on the good inspirations you receive. Gifts grow by being used.