If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask God.
James says wisdom is free for the asking — if you ask the right way.
The episode in a glance.
- 01Wisdom is admitted as a lack, not a weakness.
- 02God gives generously and without reproach.
- 03Ask in faith — without doubting his goodness.
- 04Wisdom is one of the most under-asked-for gifts.
Read along.
James 1:5 — 'If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.'
Notice the assumption: you lack wisdom. James isn't insulting you. He's stating a fact. Everyone is over their head sometimes. The question is what you do about it.
'Let him ask God.' Wisdom is one of the most under-asked-for gifts. We ask God for safety, success, comfort. We rarely ask him for the perspective to see our lives the way he sees them.
'Who gives generously to all without reproach' — God doesn't roll his eyes when you ask. He doesn't say 'again?' He gives without making you feel small for needing.
The next verse adds: 'But let him ask in faith, with no doubting.' Ask believing he actually wants to give it. Wisdom doesn't come to people hedging their bets — it comes to people who genuinely want to see.