The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:5-8
The need of wisdom which Holy Scripture never, without a touch of irony, ascribes to any but God and good men, and which, therefore, is not merely intellectual wisdom, but rather that practical knowledge of things Divine which can enable a man to say with the psalmist, "I am wiser than the aged, because I keep thy commandments." This it is, and not intellect and brilliancy, which is here promised to be given to all that ask in faith. (All through Scripture the use of the terms "wise" and... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:4
Patience alone is not sufficient. It must have scope given it for its exercise that it may have its "perfect work." That ye may be perfect ( ἵνα ἧτε τέλειοι ); cf. Matthew 5:48 , "Be ye therefore perfect." Both τέλειος and ὁλόκληρος were applied to the initiated , the fully instructed, as opposed to novices in the ancient mysteries; and as early as 1 Corinthians 2:6 , 1 Corinthians 2:7 we find τέλειος used for the Christian who is no longer in need of... read more