Have struggled previously to make distinctions, but I think I'm starting to grasp it after digesting various lists and explanations. Summarized in my own words:
1) Wisdom: the ability to see reality from God's perspective, to the point of embracing the cross. St. Paul reminds us that Christianity's defining message is Christ crucified. When we are wise in a distinctively Christian sense, our capacity to trust and love God is so great that we become willing to endure for His sake what is most repugnant to us (suffering).
2) Understanding: intellectually probing the mysteries of the faith. There are many mysteries of the faith (the Incarnation, salvation, Providence, free will, the liturgy/sacraments, Mary, etc.) Our ability to probe these mysteries will improve our discipleship and participation in the fullness of reality. From my own experience, understanding requires us to enter into the distinctively Catholic "both and" (verses either/or) way of thinking. We uphold that Christ is both fully human and fully man. We uphold that man has free will and God is omnipotent, etc. We learn to respect a mystery that lies within certain parameters, instead of expecting easy definitions.
3) Knowledge: our ability to see God in creation and use creation rightly. This is a sacramental world view, where everything in creation is a sacrament or "sign" of God in some way. How is it that my job, my family life, my friendships, my hobbies, etc. point to God. How can I relate to these things rightly so that I honor God through them? Knowledge points to the integrated Catholic perspective on reality. Strictly speaking, we don't divide up the world into the sacred and profane. Everything is sacred when done unto the Lord. In this way, everything can be a prayer and we can pray always. Daily life is becomes our ordinary place of encounter with God.
4) Fortitude: strength and courage in persevering in the faith. This one has always been straightforward to me.
5) Counsel: help in making good decisions, large and small. The longer I live, I understand how challenging it is to make a good decision. Usually, the right answer requires a wise balancing of goods. It is comforting to know that one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is help with doing this.
6) Piety: a strong filial sense in our relationship with God and neighbor. God and neighbor are not abstract concepts. We perceive ourselves as one divine family.
7) Fear of the Lord: a sense of awe and reverence for God. Respect for what is holy and a healthy aversion to sin.
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