James 1:5-11 - Exposition

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 regard to prayer, Matthew 7:7 , "Ask, and it shall be given you;" and Mark 11:23 , "Have faith in God. Verily I say unto you, Whoever shall say … and shall not doubt ( διακριθῇ ) in his heart," etc. τοῦ διδόντος θεοῦ . The order of the words shows that God's character is that of a Giver: "the giving God." His "nature and property" is to give as well as to forgive. Man often spoils his gifts,

God, on the contrary, gives to all

ἁπλῶς : only here in the New Testament, but cf. ἁπλότης in Romans 12:8 ; 2 Corinthians 8:2 ; 2 Corinthians 9:11 , 2 Corinthians 9:13 . Vulgate, affluenter ; A.V. and R.V., "liberally." It is almost equivalent to "without any arriere pensee. " ΄ὴ ὀνειδίζοντος : cf. Ecclesiasticus 41:22, ΄ετὰ τὸ δοῦναι μὴ ὀνείδιζε