The Gift of Wisdom
James 1: 5 – 8
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
Scripture tells us that wisdom is better than gold! Bible verses about wisdom unlock the door to gaining insight for your Christian walk. As Christians, we can gain knowledge through the study of God’s word. “…the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).
Knowledge has been defined as the ability to take things apart, while wisdom is the ability to put things together.
Wisdom is the ability to make a practical application of insight gained through trials and profit from it.
Wisdom is knowing how to use knowledge. There are a lot of people who have a lot of knowledge who are bereft of wisdom.
The “If” in the text is a first class condition which assumes the reality of the need and views it as a standing fact.
The Greek word for wisdom is “sophia” and means “broad and full intelligence.” This wisdom is moral discernment that enables the believer to victoriously and joyously face trials. It is the capacity to apply Bible knowledge to given situations. All persons need it, but at no time more than during trials. “If any man lacks wisdom” does not imply some don’t. The “if” used means “if, and he does.”
“Let him ask of God…” Thus, the ultimate source of wisdom is identified as the Lord.
“Let him ask” does not simply give permission. It is the statement of a duty. Being in the present tense it means to do it continually.
“…it will be given unto him.” God commits himself to giving it, if we will ask for it. This should be an encouragement to pray for it.
The Greek poet Philemon called God “the lover of gifts,” not in the sense of receiving them, but of giving them.
God gives “to all men liberally,” the Greek word translated liberally is “haplos.” Liberally is usually understood to mean generously, without restraint, or wholeheartedly. It has that and a higher application here.
The person who asks and doubts is called “double-minded.” John Bunyan in his work “Pilgrim’s Progress” has a character named “Mr. Facing-both-ways.” He is like troubled waters. No two-faced person is acting in their own best interest much less the glory of God. Ask in faith and accept whatever the answer.
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” I John 5: 14,15. Ask!