“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

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:66-69). 

It is a sad day when people leave Jesus to follow another alternative.  Jesus did not force anyone to follow him, even his own twelve apostles.  His own question to them “Will ye also go away?” (John 6:67) has a sober tone.  Peter’s reply, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” (John 6:68) reveals a profound understanding that the world needs to ponder.  Consider three things about Jesus that give direction.

1.  Jesus’ Sayings.  Jesus closed one of his great sermons with the words, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock” (Matt. 7:24-25).  The statements made by the sinless Son of God are the very things needed in every person in every situation in every generation.  John wrote, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me” (John 14:23-24).  It is as Peter stated, “Thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

2.  Jesus’ Steps.  Jesus spoke of two paths in life (cf. Matt. 7:13-14).  The path to heaven is the obvious path that Jesus chose (cf. Heb. 12:2).  Peter wrote to Christians, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).  Jesus not only talked the talk but he also walked the walk.  Luke told Theophilus at the beginning of the book of Acts, “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (Acts 1:1).  It is no wonder that Paul would make his exhortation to the Corinthians with the words, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).  It is the man who is a doer, not just a hearer, that is blessed (cf. James 1:25).

3.  Jesus’ Sacrifice.  While one may firmly listen to the sayings of Jesus and walk diligently in the steps of Jesus to the best of his ability, one does fall short of God’s glory through sin (cf. Rom. 3:23).  Jesus made provision for that as well.  He stated, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).  John wrote in another place, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2).  The death, burial and resurrection of Christ are the heart of the message of the gospel (cf. 1 Cor. 15:1-4).  One obeys that form of doctrine (cf. Rom. 6:17) by crucifying one’s old man (cf. Rom. 6:6), being buried with Christ by baptism (cf. Rom. 6:4) and being raised with Christ to walk a new life (cf. Rom. 6:4-5; Col. 3:1-4).  By continuing to walk in the light as a child of God, one has continued access to the blood of Jesus to cleanse from sin (cf. 1 John 1:7).  This is where one goes from here.        

Jimmy Clark

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 2:3-4). 

Peter writes in the book of Second Peter a great deal about promises, both good ones and bad ones.  A study concerning God’s promises aids in both the building of one’s faith and sustaining of one’s hope.  Consider three thoughts concerning promises, especially the exceeding great and precious promises of God.

1.  The Offeror.  One must always consider the source from which the promise is made.  Peter addressed God giving “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).  Peter writes in the next chapter concerning false teachers, “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage” (2 Peter 2:19).  Persuasive speech that is ill founded often uses words of promise without any proof.  Words like “You just cannot live without this” or “This is guaranteed to transform your life” should cause one to be prudent and vigilant to such claims.  Only God has the power and authority to make such claims.  Peter’s inspired words pointed the source of the great promises to come only from God and His authority.  One must not be naïve about promise makers.

2.  The Objective.  Peter writes of God’s promises “that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:4).  Divine blessings are the offering and the objective to be sought.  False teachers appeal to the lusts of the flesh (cf. 2 Peter 2:18).  The child of God is taught to not love the things of this world but that which is of God (cf. 1 John 2:15-16).  While God does provide blessings of promise in this life, it is the life to come that is the objective (cf. 1 Tim. 4:8).  It is the things not seen that are the focus of the attention of God’s people, not the focus of the physical, temporal world (2 Cor. 4:18).

3.  The Outcome.  What happens when promises are offered but their outcome is not realized?  Solomon wrote, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life” (Prov. 13:12).  One does not develop confidence in liars and offers of false hope.  One only has to study the promises of God of the past to be drawn to trust and hope in God in the present and future.  A life like Abraham was built upon a strong faith in the promise of God (cf. Rom. 4:18-21).  The promise made to David of a future heir to sit upon the throne is realized in Christ (cf. Acts 2:30-36).  Paul wrote to Titus concerning God and promises, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour” (Titus 1:2-3).  The outgrowth of confidence in the great promises of God are seen in the third chapter of Second Peter (cf. 2 Peter 3:9-14).  A repentant, holy, godly and diligent life tied to righteousness will not be unrewarded in the end.

Jimmy Clark