The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are permanent dispositions that make us docile to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The traditional list of seven gifts is derived from Isaiah 11:1–3: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord (CCC 1830).

The Seven Gifts

Wisdom — knowing God's purpose and plan; seeing all things from God's perspective.
Understanding — a deeper grasp of the truths of faith.
Counsel — knowing the right thing to do in concrete situations; spiritual discernment.
Fortitude — strength and courage to live and defend the faith, even to the point of martyrdom.
Knowledge — understanding the created world in its relationship to God; knowing what to believe and what to reject.
Piety — devotion and reverence toward God; the spirit of worship and filial affection for God as Father.
Fear of the Lord — reverential awe before God's holiness; the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10; CCC 1831).

Given at Baptism, Strengthened at Confirmation

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are infused at Baptism and strengthened at Confirmation. They are not abilities or skills — they are dispositions of the soul that make the person responsive and docile to the Holy Spirit's inspirations (CCC 1303, 1830).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the gifts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit? The gifts are dispositions — permanent orientations of the soul toward the Spirit's promptings. The fruits are the visible outcomes of those gifts at work: love, joy, peace, patience, and the other signs of a Spirit-filled life (CCC 1832).