James 1:7-8

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 1:7

For let not that man think ,.... Imagine, conclude, or please himself with such thoughts, that he shall receive anything from the Lord ; wisdom, or anything else, he is seeking after; for wanting faith, he has nothing to receive with; faith is the grace, which receives the Lord Jesus Christ himself, and all grace from him; which receives a justifying righteousness, pardon of sin, adoption of children, and even the everlasting inheritance, at least, the right unto it; wherefore those who... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 1:8

A double minded man ,.... A man of two souls, or of a double heart, that speaks and asks with an heart, and an heart, as in Psalm 12:2 who halts between two opinions, and is at an uncertainty what to do or say, and is undetermined what to ask for; or who is not sincere and upright in his requests, who asks for one thing, and means another, and asks amiss, and with an ill design; does not call upon God in truth, and in the sincerity of his soul; draws nigh to him with his mouth, and honours... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:7

Let not that man think - The man whose mind is divided, who is not properly persuaded either of his own wants or God's sufficiency. Such persons may pray, but having no faith, they can get no answer. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:8

A double-minded man - Ανηρ διψυχος· The man of two souls, who has one for earth, and another for heaven; who wishes to secure both worlds; he will not give up earth, and he is loth to let heaven go. This was a usual term among the Jews, to express the man who attempted to worship God, and yet retained the love of the creature. Rabbi Tanchum, fol. 84, on Deuteronomy 26:17 , said: "Behold, the Scripture exhorts the Israelites, and tells them when they pray, לבבות שתי להם יהיה לא lo... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:8

Verse 8 8A double-minded man, or, a man of a double mind. This sentence may be read by itself, as he speaks generally of hypocrites. It seems, however, to me to be rather the conclusion of the preceding doctrine; and thus there is an implied contrast between the simplicity or liberality of God, mentioned before, and the double-mindedness of man; for as God gives to us with a stretched out hand, so it behooves us in our turn to open the bosom of our heart. He then says that the unbelieving, who... 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

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