James on Wisdom

James 1:5-6 … "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith …"

"If any of you lack wisdom …" This probably refers to the kind of wisdom which we need in our trials, to enable us to bear them in a proper manner, for there is nothing in which believers feel the need of Godly wisdom for than in the manner in which we should bear our trials, and what we should do during the questions, and disappointments, and grief that come to us.

The language used is so general, that what is said may be applied to the need of wisdom in all respects.

The particular kind of wisdom which we need in trials is to enable us to understand their purpose, (what they are all about) and to learn the lessons which God designs them to teach; for He always designs them to teach us some valuable lesson. If we are in sin; the trials which are brought upon us by that sin, may be given for us to learn how we may avoid them in the future.

We are in great danger of going wrong when we are afflicted; by complaining and murmuring; by expressing a spirit of rebellion, and by losing the benefits which we might have obtained if we had submitted to the trial in the proper manner. So in all things we "lack wisdom," not just in times of trial but in other important matters of life and faith.

"Let him ask of God …" That is, for the specific wisdom which he needs; the very wisdom which is necessary for him in the particular case. It is proper to make mention of the specific want; to ask of God to guide us in the very matter where we feel we lack wisdom. It is one of the privileges of believers, that we may not only go to God and ask Him for general wisdom which we need in life, but if a particular emergency arises, we may also bring that particular need before the Lord, with the assurance that He will guide them.

"That giveth to all men liberally …" The word men here, is supplied by the translators, it is not in the original … but not improperly, although the promise should be thought of as restricted to those who ask. The object of James was to encourage those who felt their need of wisdom, to go ahead and ask God.

He is not saying however, that God gives all men wisdom "liberally" whether they ask or not.

No blessing is promised to man that is not sought; no man can hope to receive anything from God, who does not value it enough to pray for it; no one ought to obtain it, who does not prize it enough to … ask for it.

"And upbraideth not …" God does not reproach, rebuke, or treat harshly. He does not coldly turn us away, if we come and ask what we need, even though we do so very often, for we are a needed people.

The proper meaning of the Greek word "upbraideth" is … to rail at, reproach, revile, chide (angry censure); and the object here is probably to place the manner in which God treats us in contrast with what sometimes occurs among men. He does not hold our past conduct against us; our foolish choices; or our continual asking.

We are certain when we ask of God, that He permits us to come to Him freely, and that He will meet us with kindness and love in granting our requests. We are not always sure, when we ask of man, what we shall encounter in the process; sometimes it can be a harsh or troubling answer.

This promise … "it shall be given him" … the wisdom that may be necessary for the time of need … is absolute; we may be sure that if we ask God, it will be granted to us. There can be no doubt that it is one of the things which God is able and willing to give, as it would be used for our own good; and therefore, He is ever ready to grant it to us.

There are things that might bring some doubt as to whether, if they were granted, would really be for our good; but there can be no such doubt about wisdom. It is always for our good; and we may be sure therefore, that we shall obtain it when we ask in faith. If it is asked for in that way, we can expect Him to grant it.

"But let him ask in faith …" We cannot hope to obtain anything from God if there is not faith; and where, as in regard to the wisdom necessary to guide us, we are sure that it is in accordance with His will to grant it to us; therefore we come to Him with confidence and assurance, that it will be granted.


Edited for clarity … from the commentary of Albert Barnes.