5 But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all.
6 But when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven and blown about by the wind.
7-8 If you are like that, unable to make up your mind and undecided in all you do, you must not think that you will receive anything from the Lord. (GNB)
Vs. 5 – "But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all." - We can almost treat this letter by James as we would the Proverbs, for example, as with this an abrupt change of subject. Ask for wisdom, not cash or stuff. Perhaps the most famous example of this is king Solomon. See 2 Chron 1:7-12. When Solomon assumes the throne, God told Solomon to ask for whatever he wished. Solomon was grateful to God for his blessing and mercy for David. Solomon asked for wisdom to be able to rule the kingdom correctly. God was impressed with Solomon's request and gave him wisdom, as well as other stuff, too. How's that for generously and graciously?
Let’s stop for a bit and ask ourselves, “How would we define/describe 'wisdom'?” We can see wisdom as moral discernment, spiritual insight, right understanding, or responsible words and worthy deeds. We can see how wisdom plays a part in our response to trials and trouble. Look to Proverbs: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” (Pro 3:5-7) As we grow in our trust in the Lord we see our commitment to Him increase; we learn to be vigilant so as to avoid situations that may lead us to into trouble. Which brings us to look to God and avoid dependence on self. Autonomy will almost always end in disaster for us.
While reading this morning I came across these verses: "The LORD is good and upright; therefore he shows sinners the way. He leads the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the LORD’s ways show faithful love and truth to those who keep his covenant and decrees." (Psa 25:8-10) This is telling us that wisdom comes from listening and obeying the Lord's "ways" which He has revealed in Scripture.
Christ is our example in reliance on God. See: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb 12:2-3) We can rejoice that God loves us and has a wonderful plan for our lives. “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thes 5:16-18) Is this amazing? We are to rejoice in all things - even in persecution! We can trust the one whom we ask! He has held nothing back from us!
This tells us that wisdom is a special provision from God. You can keep on doing what you are doing, and gain nothing but frustration and bitterness. Or you can pray to God. Ask Him as commanded. Ask Him because in this way we will come to a greater dependence on Him - which is the only way to a fulfilling life in Christ. And His wisdom will help us see that we are free in Christ, free from sin by His blood shed. We can receive the Holy Spirit (see Eph. 1:7) - non-believers cannot receive the Holy Spirit of God. We can experience the extraordinary greatness of His grace (Eph 2:7). We have access to the unimaginable wealth and riches that Christ has for us (Eph 3:8).
Wisdom does not just 'happen' - it must be fought for, you must make a decision. The result of that decision may be good or bad. And if you learn from that decision, either to "not do that" again or that it is "good to do that", you have gained wisdom.
Vs. 6 – "But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind." - Don't doubt that God can answer. We may not know what His answer will be. Especially if we don't ask correctly. We have no right to make demands on God. Is this a matter of attitude? Partially, but also a matter of asking for that which God wants for us - being in His will. We can ask Him to reveal His will for us. See 1 John 5:14-15 - “And this is the confidence that we have before him: that whenever we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, then we know that we have the requests that we have asked from him.”
“Doubts” - a believer who doubts his relationship w/God exposes an unstable faith; not merely indecision, but a loss of trust in God. Who or what are you doubting? Pray with a confident trust in a sovereign God. Picture a rudderless ship - that is prayer without belief.
***Vs. 7,8 – "For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." .
“double-minded” - To pursue good and evil at the same time is hypocrisy! Divided between faith and the world - a carnal man- (Whoever does not have the spirit... 1 Cor 2:14) The psalmist knew the frustration of dealing with those who were double-minded. They were uncertain and uncommitted in their lives. In contrast, the law of God is sure and certain.
The following are some quotes from Bible Study authors: “When we love the law it becomes a law of love, and we cling to it with our whole heart.” (Spurgeon)
“ ‘Double-minded’ is akin to the word in Elijah’s taunt at those who hobbled ‘first on one leg and then on the other’ (1 Kings 18:21, Jerusalem Bible).” (Kidner)
“Double-minded people are people who know about God but are not fully determined to worship and serve him only. They are those who want both God and the world. They want the benefits of true religion, but they want their sin too.... The Psalmist hates this double-mindedness; he also hates it in himself.” (Boice)
What should we be asking for? During a trial, ask for an understanding of the purpose behind the divine permission of the difficulty. If we are rebellious during trials, it will bring us to no good.
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