“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. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:5-8).
This is the first time in the book of James that the subject of wisdom is addressed. It is an important subject due to the fact that men who lack it are told to ask for it. However, James is not simply saying that one need only pray alone and believe it will come separate and apart from a study of the Bible to acquire. Paul wrote to Timothy, “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15). Consider three particulars concerning wisdom from the book of James that should motivate all to seek what is from God.
1. Supreme Wisdom. The first fact concerning wisdom is that the superior wisdom comes from God. James writes further, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). James is contrasting in this context two kinds of wisdom. Paul does the same in the book of First Corinthians (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18-2:13). The supreme, absolute wisdom that should be sought by men is that which is from God. Notice that such wisdom is first pure. Such is in perfect harmony with the statement made in Proverbs concerning God’s inspired revelation (cf. Prov. 30:5). After this attribute comes all the results that promote the greatest moral and ethical life. God’s wisdom is not only preeminent in essence but it is also practical in quality.
2. “So-called” Wisdom. James addressed the opposite of God’s wisdom, where he wrote, “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:14-16). Any so-called wisdom that is contrary to the wisdom from God centers in selfish ambition with power and control works. Paul wrote to Timothy about falsehood, where he wrote, “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen” (1 Tim. 6:20-21). There is nothing good that comes from such arrogance and self-righteousness.
3. Shown Wisdom. James begins the context on wisdom in James chapter three with the words, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). True wisdom is demonstrated, not merely contemplated and theorized. A tree is known by its fruits (cf. Matt. 7:16-20). Wisdom involves the skill to perceive differences and make proper application. Words can be quite empty where talk is all that is given. God’s wisdom produced the creation (cf. Ps. 104:24). God’s wisdom brought the redemption for man’s sins (cf. 1 Cor. 1:24-31). It is no wonder that James exhorts men who lack wisdom to seek such from God.
Jimmy Clark