James 1:5-8 – Concerning wisdom and trials

It seems unusual that James should abruptly jump from talking about trials to wisdom. He had to have his reasons. Notice in verse 4, James talked about “lacking nothing” and then almost immediately in verse 5 he gave the idea that a person could lack something. And that something is wisdom. Why? Earlier, he had implied that trials were allowed by God because of His intention to use those trials to work perfection in the believers’ lives. So he encouraged them to face their trials joyfully. But, he realized that some of his listeners might not share his sentiment. They were not able to see the usefulness of trials as he had told them. Hence, only God could clarify the issue for them. He then called on them to request God to grant them wisdom to be able to see the usefulness of trials.

What is this wisdom? It is often equated with cleverness or smartness. But the wisdom that James talked about here had nothing to do with being clever or smart. The wisdom he portrayed here must be seen in relation to enduring trials. This kind of wisdom enables one to see God’s clear purpose, to make correct decisions and to act appropriately in the midst of tough circumstances. It would help believers to chart their course in life so as to attain maturity and completeness. Such kind of wisdom could only come from God. Therefore, believers needing such wisdom should ask from Him.

We can see here that God is the source of such wisdom. The word “generously” not only demonstrates the manner God would give but also the fact that with Him, this wisdom is without limit. It also suggests that God is willing to give and that He would give liberally without any restraint. The terms “without reproach” tell us that God would never give such a request in a displeasing manner. He will not give and yet remonstrate with His displeasure.

But how should one approach God? It is important to know how a person approaches God, because the manner would indicate his or her desire to advance with God. Bear in mind that in James’ thinking, trials would lead one towards maturity when attended to with the appropriate responses. So in verses 6-8, he prescribed how a person should approach God for that wisdom to ensure maturity. Why? James knew that the manner with which one comes to God, would reflect one’s inner desire. It would reveal one’s commitment to see the way God sees things, as well as one’s willingness to accept God’s intention for life. To receive this wisdom meant that the person should ask God trustingly, for faith and doubt just cannot co-exist. A believer who asks doubtfully reflects his instability. He is no different from the waves of the sea that’s driven and tossed about. Interestingly James used the word “double-minded” to describe such a man. He said that he should not expect to receive what he had requested from God. In fact doubtful asking would result in two maladies for that unstable believer: (1) prayer that would be ineffective; (2) an insecure and unstable life.

We all need wisdom to handle life situations. And wisdom is not about being clever. It is about knowing how to please God and maintain godly relationship with others, while undergoing hard times. Wisdom is readily available with God, and for anyone lacking it, God is ever ready to give. But remember to come asking with faith, trusting that God will provide us with His wisdom. Generously!