"The English wordplay lacking (v. 4) - lacks (v. 5) is also present in Greek. This catchword linking of ideas is a favorite method by which James joins them in a unity." Peter H. Davids - New International Biblical Commentary - "James"

Both wisdom of insight, and wisdom of the purposes, will be given by God just for the asking. The wisdom granted will remove uncertainty and frustration, imparting knowledge of the why of the trial and the what to do in the trial.

James 1:5 "... who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

James gives tremendous encouragement to ask for wisdom, by describing the character of God the Giver.

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God Is Good - "That Giveth" (James 1:5)

He gave His Son to save us (John 3:16 ). God evidently will go on giving all things - this is proved by the none sparing of His Son (Romans 8:32 ). He will not withhold wisdom to those who ask.

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God Is Generous - "To All Men Liberally" (James 1:5)

God gives enthusiastically, immensely, exceedingly our every expectation, and excludes no one. No believer need lack wisdom no matter how problematic the trial.

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God Never Grudges - "Upbraideth Not" (James 1:5)

"...God gives true gifts: no complaining, no criticizing. (What? You need help again?), no mixed motives, no reluctance. Free, generous, even spendthrift giving characterises the Christian's God." Peter H. Davids - New International Biblical Commentary - "James"

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God's Supply Guaranteed - "It Shall Be Given" (James 1:5)

There is no uncertainty about God's ability or willingness. The wise ask God to be their supplier of wisdom. Young Solomon in a dream, was given by God the privilege to ask for anything (1 Kings 3:5 ). He delighted God by asking for wisdom:

1 Kings 3:9 "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?"

We can ask God for the same wisdom to be understanding, discerning, enduring, and to do what is right according to God's thinking in times of trial. True wisdom puts God's kingdom first (Matthew 6:31-33 ), seeks God's interests and lives by God's principles. God gives wisdom; as recipients, we are personally responsible to act in accordance with that wisdom. Regrettably Solomon did not always govern his own life by godly wisdom. (1 Kings 11:6 ). A God-given discerning heart is not blinded by superficial appearances. It is able to see the hidden issues, causes and intent. Let us, like Solomon, ask for this wisdom, but unlike Solomon, see to it that we apply that wisdom to our own conduct. When the discerning heart is saturated in God's Word, our knowing is sharpened in effectiveness and our enemy's ability dwarfed.

Psalm 119:97,98 "Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. ⁹⁸ You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me."

The basis of true wisdom is awesome respect for God

Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

God-centred wisdom has a clarity of discernment that prevents indecision, ensuring right decision making, and right actions.

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God's Open Graciousness - "Let Him Ask" (James 1:5)

Ask with all confidence because the Father's willingness showers good gifts upon the asking (Matthew 7:7-11 ). God will not withhold wisdom that is needed when in the midst of trial. God wants to be gracious - then ask.

James 1:6 "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering ..."

James tells us how to ask for wisdom. It must be "in faith", meaning with complete trust and commitment. A commitment that relies on God, knowing Him to be God. Trust that is a heartfelt confidence in God the Giver. Faith is believing in the character of God that He is who He says He is - and that He is faithful doing what He says He will do - the God of His word - who keeps His promises. Faith delights in the complete consistency of God, that His intentions never change, and He is absolutely trustworthy. Faith declares:

Psalm 33:4 "For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth."

Asking in faith demonstrates our trust in God, and reflects our dependence on God. Faith is the hand that appropriates God's promises and provision.

James 1:6 "... For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

"The word here is 'diakrino', which when used in the sense of "doubt" is uncertainty about something set forward as an object of faith." Richards O. Lawrence The Bible Readers Companion. Victor Books

Doubting is the opposite of faith. It is distrusting God instead of trusting Him. Satan would destroy our trust in God by sowing doubt in our mind about God's goodness, about His generosity, or withholding of knowledge, and excessive strictness, as he did in tempting Eve (Genesis 3:1 ). Doubt is an assault on the character of God. Rejoicing in our true knowledge and experience of God in our Lord Jesus Christ raises the shield of faith against the fiery darts of Satan (Ephesians 6:16 ), so that they are quenched. When our trust in God would be eroded by professing friends, God's all-knowledge and care, His unchanging integrity and justice, and those being in the furnace of trial He will bring out as pure gold. This is how Job answered:

Job 23:10 "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

The doubter knows no stability and is pictured as a restless wave of the sea, one tossed by the wind. Such troubled, tossed souls will not be stabilised unless they commit themselves mind and heart to the Lord.

James 1:7,8 "For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. ⁸ A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."

Doubting cuts off the potential help of God because the means of receiving is not operating. The static of doubt stops us hearing. Only faith will hear loud and clear the wisdom God gives.

"The chief term of these verses is dipsychos, translated as double-minded. The term itself is found first in James and may have been coined by the author. The idea, however, has deep Jewish roots. A reason to seek God with his or her whole heart (Deut. 6:5; 18:3), and thus to doubt or have a double heart is itself evil, a mark of hypocrisy (Ps. 12:1-2; 1 Chron. 12:33)." Peter H. Davids - New International Biblical Commentary - "James"

To speak with a double mind or heart is to literally speak in darkness (Psalm 12:2 margin ), indicative of a lifestyle of darkness. Such have no fellowship with God.

1 John 1:6 "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:"

Such persons are self-deceived should they think they will receive anything from the Lord. A heart renewed (Psalm 51:10 ) and focussed on God will receive (Matthew 7:7; 21:22; John 9:31; 15:7 ). The pleasing and receiving heart is one fully given to God, to love Him (Matthew 22:37 ). The new heart can love God with God's own love poured into it by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5 ). Therefore it is a heart conditioned to receive all the blessings of God, including wisdom.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you accept that wisdom of insight and purpose of trials are available for the asking? (James 1:5 ).
2. What kind of asking obtains wisdom from God?
3. Why do you think a doubter is unable to receive wisdom from God? (James 1:6-8 ).