“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
James 1:5
James, one of Jesus’ brothers, refers to himself here as a “servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:1). It’s remarkable since we know that earlier, James was probably with his brothers and mother who went to take charge of Jesus, saying, “He is out of his mind” (see Mark 3:21-32). As the years of Jesus’ ministry went on, James became a steadfast follower.
He speaks of finding joy in our trials. He reminds us how we grow in perseverance during the testing of our faith. Then he addresses the need for wisdom that can be given only by God, assuring us that our request for it is granted when we ask in faith.
It’s hard to follow James’ instruction. Often when we lack wisdom, we seek it in the wrong places, perhaps from popular speakers, writers, movie stars, talk-show hosts, or bloggers. I suspect every one of us has put too much trust in our own wisdom at times. Initially, James might have, too. But then the authoritative, convicting teaching of Jesus got a hold of his heart. Let it grip your heart, and see how you grow in wisdom.
He speaks of finding joy in our trials. He reminds us how we grow in perseverance during the testing of our faith. Then he addresses the need for wisdom that can be given only by God, assuring us that our request for it is granted when we ask in faith.
It’s hard to follow James’ instruction. Often when we lack wisdom, we seek it in the wrong places, perhaps from popular speakers, writers, movie stars, talk-show hosts, or bloggers. I suspect every one of us has put too much trust in our own wisdom at times. Initially, James might have, too. But then the authoritative, convicting teaching of Jesus got a hold of his heart. Let it grip your heart, and see how you grow in wisdom.
Scripture Focus
James 1:2-18
Insight
Proverbs 9:10 tells us that the “fear [honor and love] of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
Bible In A Year
- 2 Kings 13-14
- Proverbs 17
- 2 Peter 1-3
