James 1:5

If any of you. Probably, on the basis of his own Christian experience, James realizes that his fellow believers have not yet reached the desired goal of Christian maturity described in v. 4. He now explains how any man may find the power and understanding that will make him a victorious Christian amid the problems of life.

Lack. Gr. leipo, “to fall short.” Compare the use of the word in Luke 18:22.

Wisdom. Gr. sophia, “broad and full intelligence” (see on Luke 2:52; 1 Cor. 1:17). This includes more than even true knowledge, because knowledge alone does not guarantee right action or even right conclusions. Wisdom helps us to place a proper value on everything that competes for our attention, and ensures the proper use of knowledge as we seek for right action.

Let him ask. Wisdom is to be constantly sought in order to meet successfully each new test of faith and endurance, as noted in vs. 3, 4. Many problems of life are baffling to one who cannot meet them from the Christian viewpoint. To see life as God wants us to, we need daily to make certain that our eyes have been anointed with the ointment of heavenly wisdom. See on Matt. 7:11; Luke 18:1-18.

God, that giveth. The OT often refers to that wisdom which God alone can give a man (see Prov. 2:6). Through His Holy Word He speaks encouragement to us amid dreary and difficult trials, and it is because of the heavenly viewpoint which this wisdom brings that we are able to “count it all joy” when life’s problems press heavily on us.

Our God is as much a “giving” God as He is a “righteous” God or a “loving” God. In fact, Ps. 145:17-19 suggests that because the Lord is righteous, He is always ready to “fulfil the desire of them that fear him.” It is God’s nature to give (see on John 3:16), and we can ascribe to Him no greater honor than humbly to seek His gifts of wisdom and strength from day to day.

Liberally. Or, “graciously,” “sincerely.” It is God’s joy to give. When a man seeks wisdom, God answers the request unhesitatingly and without reluctance. There is neither stinted giving nor partiality.

Upbraideth not. Or, “does not reproach [or, “embarrass”].” God does not censure us for our many failures, nor does He continually remind us of the many favors already given to us. James is seeking to emphasize the contrast between the manner in which God bestows His bounties and the way men often humiliate or insult the recipients of their favors. This fact should encourage boldness in making our petitions known to God. We are to come to Him as children seeking the love and help of a solicitous Father (see Heb. 4:16; Matt. 7:11).

Shall be given him. The requisite here set forth for receiving wisdom from God is a sincere request for it. For man’s best interest God does not grant every request, but if we sincerely seek wisdom, it will be granted us. There are several ways in which God can supply wisdom to men. He may increase our understanding of His Word, so that we clearly discern His will for us. He may impress our hearts by His Holy Spirit as to what course of action would be best for us to take (see Isa. 30:21). He may speak to us through friends, or by shaping events and circumstances in such a way as to reveal His will. However, God has given us intelligent minds, and He is honored when we make use of them in solving the problems of life under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It would not be wise of the Holy Spirit. It would be wise for Him to do for us what He has intended that we should do for ourselves, subject to His guidance. In order that we may learn to exercise maturity of judgment and understanding (see Phil. 1:9), He would have us form the habit of making right decisions on the basis of the broad principles of His revealed will as set forth in Scripture. Then He can the more readily impress His will upon our minds and protect us from the subtle devices of Satan. If, after we have consulted every available source of heavenly wisdom, we make our request, and patiently and trustfully keep our hearts open to Him, we will recognize His answer (see Matt. 7:7).