- From Matthew Henry commentary: Here is something in answer to every discouraging turn of the mind, when we go to God, under a sense of our own weakness and folly, to ask for wisdom. He to whom we are sent, we are sure, has it to give: and he is of a giving disposition, inclined to bestow this upon those who ask. Nor is there any fear of his favours being limited to some in this case, so as to exclude others, or any humble petitioning soul; for he gives to all men.
To request wisdom in the midst of trial is precisely what God intends for His people. Wisdom helps you to endure with fortitude and godliness. Wisdom keeps you from immorality and enables you to be acceptable to the Lord.
So when the verse says if any lacks wisdom let Him ask of God...James is talking about when we are going through trials. We are to ask God for wisdom for all the many reason noted in the previous blog post & for the few more posted above. It is important that we do this. When we pray for someone who is going thru a trial, rather than praying for strength, etc. for them, instead, pray for wisdom for them!
Ok two reasons why we need to ask God for wisdom.
Verse 5: and if any of you do lack wisdom, let him ask from God, who is giving to all liberally, and not reproaching, and it shall be given to him;
Young,
R. (1997). Young’s Literal Translation (Jas 1:5). Bellingham, WA:
Logos Bible Software.
Now this verse does NOT mean that God is going to give you tons and tons of wisdom if you ask Him.The word liberally in the Greek means simply, sincerely & reality. God's gift of giving is without reservation, He doesn't hesitate, and He doesn't want anything in return. The text implies that God gives wisdom without any secondary motive. Giving is a part of His nature; we know this because He has given us the best gift of all - His Son, Jesus Christ, salvation [Romans 8:32] [James 1:17]. He desires to give you gifts and one of those things is wisdom. He is the giver of all gifts and whatever trial you are going through, He wants to give you wisdom & insight. So pray and ask Him for that.
Next, He gives without reproach [Strong's #3679. ὀνειδίζω ŏnĕidizō, on-i-did´-zo; from 3681; to defame, i.e. rail at, chide, taunt:—cast in teeth, (suffer) reproach, revile, upbraid.]; reproach described a practice "to give stinging words along with money". In other words, He doesn't rebuke you or treat you harshly when asking for wisdom. He doesn't respond back with, "don't you know the solution? It's simple" or "what'd you do with the last gift I gave you?" or "you've wasted everything else why should I help you now?" or, "I gave you a head, why don't you just use it?" Could you hear God talking like this? This is what James is referring to in this verse. We come repeatedly to the Lord in the same situations. We just keep praying & don't give up. Matthew 7:7-11 the Greek tense here is to keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking. Don't stop! see verse 8. Now read verse 9-11. One of those good things He desires to give you is wisdom. This is very comforting don't you think? When we are faced with trials we have the privilege of coming to God and requesting wisdom from the One who gives - simply, compassionately and gently. Read what Solomon says in Proverbs 2:3-6.
Now the next thing James 1:5 says is, "it will be given him". This verse does not mean that you will be given everything you want, but it does mean you will be given wisdom during trials. God will not withhold wisdom from you. What a promise! I think sometimes, we are under delusion that God is obligated to give us whatever we want; whatever we pray for. That, my friend, is not found in the Word of God. But God gives us something far more valuable than that...wisdom from God.
Now we've learned why we should say yes to wisdom...next blog we'll learn to say no to wavering. Hoping you're still reading along with me. LMK if this is a blessing [or not a blessing lol] to you.
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