If (?), You Lack Wisdom

Text: James 1:5
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.

Introduction

• In the very beginning of the epistle we get a thorough picture of James’ style and how he will be addressing us. There are many short proverbs throughout the book. Some have called it the Proverbs of the NT.

Interpretation & Explanation

• If — this is a “presumption of a concession.” It’s like saying, “If any of you are breathing…” or “If any of you are human beings…” It is a very strong affirmation – this is not a category we can decide that we don’t fit into. The “if” tells us that all will admit their lack of wisdom.
• Any — This promise particularly applies to those that need patience in trials, but the “any” moves the promise beyond the immediate context of needing joy in manifold temptations. So this promise can be a comfort to those who don’t know what to do spiritually at all — you’re lost. So ask of God! It is also particularly comforting to any who work for the Lord. When we are directing someone to Christ, rebuking a backslider, comforting the despondent, restoring the fallen, or guiding the ignorant we need wisdom.
• Lack — There are many educated, but few are wise. Our society can travel the speed of sound or even twice the speed of sound, but we’re going the wrong direction. The information superhighway is available at the highest speeds, but cannot help. Many reject true wisdom because of conceit — they’re too proud to admit that they need wisdom from someone else; or they’re too rebellious to seek for wisdom from its only true source.
• Wisdom — Look at these verses — 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; two kinds of wisdom here: the wisdom of the world and Christ, true wisdom. Job 28:12-28; wisdom has unmeasurable value. Only God knows where it is and He says to man, “The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. Wisdom’s root is submissiveness to God. It is absolutely necessary (we need more than the world, because we are in the world). Psalm 111:10 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever. – A test of common sense = obedience to God’s law. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 28:26 – He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. Proverbs 2:1-6 – My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
• Ask — this is ignorance confessed – truthful asking declares a truthful need. Solomon – 1 Kings 3:5-14: notice how this forty year old monarch described himself, “but a little child…” He knew his need. We need to ask for many things and with all our getting we should ask for wisdom; it’s the principal thing (Proverbs 4:7). Asking acknowledges our dependence on God. This where God wants us. He is strong in our weakness. He is wise in our ignorance. We must have wisdom and it can only come from God. We are dependent upon Him completely.
• Of God — He is the source of our answer. We are very often all too ready to go to someone else or somewhere else. We go to preachers, friends, books, even ourself. Only God can give wisdom. We should ask of God!
• Giveth (of God that giveth) — be careful not to detach that giveth from God. He is the God that GIVETH. One particular person of the Trinity’s job is to teach – the Holy Spirit. Look at Luke 11:13. We know how to give good gifts to our earthly children, God will give the Holy Spirit (His wisdom) to those that ask.
• Liberally — this word has two meanings: the first, we naturally think of – liberally, this means a lot – like how He gave to Solomon. The second, we should consider — simply, this means without conditions. The condition is that we ask. Once we’ve asked, he gives without strings attached.
• Upbraideth not — for our constant requests. He doesn’t reply with a “You. Again! Go away.” We ought to be continually seeking wisdom — day by day, hour by hour, even moment by moment. This kind of asking would weary any friend or neighbor even if they could spare everything we were asking for. Think about Proverbs 25:17 – Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbor’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee. But God is not so. He never replies, “Weren’t you just here five minutes ago asking for wisdom?” He does not upraid us when we return for more of what we need.
• And it shall be given him — It seems that this is unnecessary – we’re asking of the giver, but it adds to the certainty of the promise – it shall be given him.

Application

• To me, asking for wisdom is really another way of understanding walking in the Spirit or being filled with the Spirit. It is a constant practice of good Christians. As we walk through each day, multitudes of times we should recognize our lack and seek His direction. Where does the direction come from? The Holy Spirit. He gives wisdom. When we submit each decision to His ruling, then we’re recognized as wise. Maybe not by the world. Maybe not by practical Christians. Maybe not to others. But those that follow God’s leading are truly Spirit-filled, wise Christians.