James 1:5,James 1:6

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - James 1:2-12

We now come to consider the matter of this epistle. In this paragraph we have the following things to be observed:? I. The suffering state of Christians in this world is represented, and that in a very instructive manner, if we attend to what is plainly and necessarily implied, together with what is fully expressed. 1. It is implied that troubles and afflictions may be the lot of the best Christians, even of those who have the most reason to think and hope well of themselves. Such as have a... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - James 1:5-8

1:5-8 If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask it from God, who gives generously to all men and never casts up the gift, and it will be given to him. Let him ask in faith, with no doubts in his mind; for he who oscillates between doubts is like a surge of the sea, wind-driven and blown hither and thither. Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord, a man with a divided mind, inconstant in all his ways. There is a close connection between this passage and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom ,.... This shows that the perfection before spoken of is not to be understood as in this life, since the apostle immediately supposes lack of wisdom in them; for this is not said in a form of doubting, whether they wanted it or not, but rather as supposing, and taking it for granted that they did; and in the first, and primary sense of the words, it intends wisdom to behave aright under temptations or afflictions. Saints often want wisdom to consider God as the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom - Wisdom signifies in general knowledge of the best end, and the best means of attaining it; but in Scripture it signifies the same as true religion, the thorough practical knowledge of God, of one's self, and of a Savior. Let him ask of God - Because God is the only teacher of this wisdom. That giveth to all men liberally - Who has all good, and gives all necessary good to every one that asks fervently. He who does not ask thus does not feel his need of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:5

Verse 5 5If any of you lack wisdom. As our reason, and all our feelings are averse to the thought that we can be happy in the midst of evils, he bids us to ask of the Lord to give us wisdom. For wisdom here, I confine to the subject of the passage, as though he had said, “If this doctrine is higher than what your minds can reach to, ask of the Lord to illuminate you by his Spirit; for as this consolation alone is sufficient to mitigate all the bitterness of evils, that what is grievous to the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:2-18

THE SUBJECT OF TEMPTATION . This section may be subdivided as follows:— read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - James 1:2-12

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - James 1:5-8

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 1:5

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:5

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:5

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:2-18

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:5-8

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:5-8

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:5-8

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:5-11

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