James 1:5-6

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:5-8

Wisdom for those who ask it. The apostle has just been saying that the trials and burdens of life should conduce, if wisely borne, to the purifying of the believing soul, the bracing of its moral energies, and the perfecting of its spiritual life. But how hard it is to bear severe afflictions thus wisely! Every one needs a wisdom above his own, who would "count manifold trials all joy," and "let patience have its perfect work." I. A UNIVERSAL WASTE . ( James 1:5 ) Wisdom means... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:5-8

The prayer of faith. In the former verses the writer, after the apparent paradox of wishing "joy" ( James 1:1 ) to those so persecuted and tried, proceeded ( James 1:2-4 ) to urge, not merely joy in spite, but joy by reason, of these things. For, said he, by these things the faith, which is of so great price, is developed and perfected. It might seem, however, that, with God so purposing, and man thankfully concurring in the Divine purpose, yet, from lack of true discernment, of wise... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:5-11

Digression suggested by the thought of perfection. There can be no true perfection without wisdom, which is the gift of God, and must be sought from him. It is possible that the thought and connection of the passage is due to a reminiscence of Wis. 9:6, "For though a man be never so perfect ( τέλειος ) among the children of men, yet if thy wisdom be not with him, he shall be nothing regarded." But whether this be so or not, the teaching is manifestly founded on our Lord's words with... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:6

The A.V. "nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea," is unfortunate, as suggesting a play upon the words which has no existence in the original. Render, with R.V., nothing doubting : for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea. κλύδων , the surge; ἀνεμιζόμενος and ῥιπιζόμενος both occur here only. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom - Probably this refers particularly to the kind of wisdom which they would need in their trials, to enable them to bear them in a proper manner, for there is nothing in which Christians more feel the need of heavenly wisdom than in regard to the manner in which they should bear trials, and what they should do in the perplexities, and disappointments, and bereavements that come upon them; but the language employed is so general, that what is here said may be applied to... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - James 1:6

But let him ask in faith - See the passages referred to in James 1:5. Compare the Matthew 7:7 note, and Hebrews 11:6 note. We cannot hope to obtain any favor from God if there is not faith; and where, as in regard to the wisdom necessary to guide us, we are sure that it is in accordance with his will to grant it to us, we may come to him with the utmost confidence, the most entire assurance, that it will be granted. In this case, we should come to God without a doubt that, if we ask with a... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - James 1:5-7

James 1:5-7. If any of you In whole or in part; lack wisdom To understand whence and why temptations come, and how they are to be improved, or for any other purpose. Wisdom, in the common acceptation of the word, denotes a sound practical judgment concerning things to be done or avoided: but here the expression seems to mean wisdom to know how to conduct ourselves under afflictions, or how to make a right use of them. Patience is in every pious man already; let him exercise this, and ask... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - James 1:1-18

1:1-18 LIFE’S TRIALS AND DIFFICULTIESJames’ readers are scattered over the area of the early church’s expansion (1:1), but no matter where they live, they share the same responsibilities as Christians everywhere. One of these responsibilities requires them to do something that by nature is very difficult, namely, face the trials of life with joy. This joy comes through the knowledge that trials help believers to develop endurance and so strengthen their Christian character (2-4).When faced with... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - James 1:5

If = But if. App-118 . any . App-123 . lack . Greek. leipo , as James 1:4 . ask . App-134 . of = from. App-104 . liberally . Greek. haplos. Only here. The noun in 2 Corinthians 9:11 , 2 Corinthians 9:13 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - James 1:6

nothing . Greek. medeis, as James 1:4 . wavering . App-122 . Compare Matthew 7:7 , Matthew 7:8 . is like . Greek. eoika . Only here and James 1:23 . The root (obs.) is eiko ; compare eikon , image. wave . See Luke 8:24 . driven . Greek. anemizomai. Only here. tossed . Greek. rhipizomai. Only here. read more

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