“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
James 1:5 (NASB)
The epistle of James seems to me as a New Testament book of Proverbs. It is notable for the frequent use of short, punchy sentences, each filled with a sermon’s worth of meaning and application.
Are you familiar with any of these things? Jealousy. Selfish ambition. Relational landmines. Anger. Partiality, bias, discrimination. Coldness; lack of empathy and compassion. Hateful speech and control of the tongue. Infighting.
Yes, these are all-too-common struggles, from family dynamics, to the workplace, amid our engagement in society and yes, even within the church. Why is this? It is no news flash. Human nature is sinful. None of us get a free pass to spotless living, regardless of how good we think we are in the recesses of our own minds.
James doesn’t go long on diagnosis and short on prescription. He lays out our issues and gets right to the answers. What will bring true life change to these sinful patterns? Where do we find lasting heart-change? Nope, it’s not in more seminars, or a few more medicines, or changing locations and leaving your problems behind.
Since James is addressing believers (:2; “brethren”) bear with me as I point out the obvious: of first priority is our need for a relationship with Jesus Christ as our Savior. Coming to Him is the starting point. This must be a good reminder for us, in our heart for the unsaved. It is pointless to steer an unbeliever to adopt Christian attitudes and behaviors when they lack the Spirit of Christ within. The Word to an unregenerate person is incomprehensible—for the Spirit of God is not resident to enlighten their heart (see 1 Cor. 2). They need Him.
So the essential need is in trusting in Jesus’ work for their salvation. To recognize that their sin-debt is paid in full, and there is nothing else of greater priority than coming to Him. Then, the life lived is for His Glory, a life that cannot “work” for its salvation, but one that lives to demonstrate, “He is my Savior and Lord, and I respond in loving obedience to Him; His Word and His Spirit.”
So, in his talking to us believers, James is not presenting some great ideas to consider. Not a hint of “weigh this, and maybe put the things you agree with into practice…” Nope. Agreement with the Lord means a confession of my sin, and recognition of Him and His Word as right and holy and non-negotiable for me, the Christ-follower. For a born-again believer, the Word is received by Faith. I do not debate its veracity (its utter truthfulness!) It is not merely something to weigh among other “equal” opinions. The Holy Spirit will reveal its plain meanings and applications for my life, now. I, by faith, have already resolved to do as He directs me. So James, like Proverbs, is not “really good advice”. It is the wisdom of God, for His children.
In the heading verse above, I see that James begins with a big one: “What do you need?” How to answer? Do I need to get my way? To have respect? To gain more power? To receive a carefree, easy life?
No, God states that our big need, as His children, is for His wisdom to fill us. So in the admonition of James 1:5-8 (so please now read it) you will see direct action points, not merely good suggestions to consider: I humbly confess that I lack wisdom. I humbly ask for God’s wisdom. I believe in faith that God hears me, and moves to provide for me. I without wavering agree that I will act on what God reveals to me, without waffling about the directives. God graciously and abundantly gives to me the wisdom that I need (1:5). This admonition goes on to say that we cannot trifle with God and His Word (1:6-8). You cannot dabble in God’s Word, twist it for your own devices, and expect to receive His blessing and approval!
I feel led to state that this is God’s wisdom from above, not “below” (cp. 3:13-16 with 3:17-18). Isn’t it powerful to see that James shows this constant obedience to be rooted in our walking with humility (4:6-10)!
So let me close by encouraging us to dig into this Word. Prayerfully read James, and learn what God says about the common struggles I’ve mentioned above: jealousy, selfish ambition, relational landmines? (3:13-4:12) Anger? (1:19-20) Partiality, bias and discrimination? (2:1-13) Coldness, lack of empathy and compassion? (1:27; 2:14-20; 5:1-6) The tongue and hateful speech? (1:26; 3:1-12; 4:11-12) Infighting? (4:1-2)
See what other things the Lord will grant you wisdom in, as you bow before Him in worship, sit before Him in receiving instruction, and walk before Him in all your ways, “…for wisdom will enter your heart And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul…” Proverbs 2:10 (NASB)
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