James: More GraceSample

In testing times, it can be very hard to know what to do for the best.

• What should we do if we feel we lack wisdom? What encouragements does James give (v. 5)?

Wisdom in the Bible has nothing to do with exam grades or brilliant brains. Biblical wisdom means knowing how to please God and obey his word in any situation, however challenging it may be.

James’ reassuring message is that God will give us the wisdom we need to get through every trial. We just need to ask! God will help us know how to put his word into practice in our particular circumstances.

And God is not stingy or reluctant. Our God ‘gives generously to all without finding fault’ (v. 5). Because of Jesus, God does not treat us as our sins deserve;  in his mercy and grace, God gives his wisdom to every believer who seriously seeks it.

Some people though say prayers asking for wisdom but don’t end up wise at all. The problem here is not with God’s giving but with their receiving. If you say a prayer asking for wisdom but end up foolish, you can be sure that the problem is never on God’s side.

Perhaps you have had the experience of talking to someone who doesn’t hear your words because they are listening intently to something else. James seems to be describing a similar situation in verses 6–8. Here is someone who doesn’t end up with wisdom, even though God is very willing to give it.

• What kind of person ‘should not expect to receive anything from the Lord’ (vv. 6–8)?

This is not talking about the doubts of honest questions. No, James is describ- ing here someone who is trying to go in two directions at once. This person is trying to combine worshipping God with worshipping something else. They are ‘double-minded’ (v. 8) – doubtful about whether they will obey God or not. Spiritually speaking, they have their ears plugged with earphones that are not tuned in to the ‘channel’ of God’s wisdom. They are giving their attention to other voices. ‘Wisdom’ may be included on their prayer list but they aren’t that seri- ous about receiving it. And so they don’t.

The way such people respond to testing times will be totally unreliable. They are like tossing waves, ‘unstable in all they do’ (v. 8). Will they go God’s way or not? Who knows?

If we want God's wisdom to help us in our trials, we must seek it with ank undivided heart.

Pray

Ask God to give you wisdom to help you know how to persevere and please him through the trials you face.