"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
This next section of James 1 continues the theme of our faith being tested in trials with an emphasis on the role of wisdom. To begin, "wisdom, as in the OT, is a God-given and God-centered discernment regarding the practical issues of life" (ESV Study Bible). I love this definition because it reinforces that wisdom is found in God and given freely from God to those who ask.
It must be noted though that James makes what I consider a laughable comment of "IF any of you lacks wisdom." I doubt any of us would say we are overflowing with wisdom and cannot accept anymore. But more importantly, James emphasizes the call for us to act. We must ASK if we want wisdom. God is gracious to give it, but we have to do our part and ask rather than pridefully wait for God to bestow it on us of His own accord.
Moreover, asking without reproach is simply humbling oneself to come to God without feeling shamed in asking for help. This is a wise call-out and warning to us as men. Let's not kid ourselves, the majority of us to one degree or another struggle asking for help. Society further reinforces that sentiment as a sign of weakness. But here, James admonishes men to lay aside fleshly pride and approach the throne of grace in reverent humility to ask for help. What a phenomenal ministry tool that application could be if we applied it to our families! How much more respect would we receive from our wives and children if we modeled James 1:5 rather than preached it?
Bottom line, if we want true wisdom, we know where to get it and how to get it.....are we simply bold enough to humble ourselves and ask God? He's waiting patiently to generously give it.
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