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James 1:5 - FINDING WISDOM. [update]James 1:5 (NIV) If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.INTRODUCTION By "Wisdom," James means the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances; this is not just knowledge. Whenever we need wisdom, we can pray to God, and he will generously supply what we need. Christians don't have to grope around in the dark, hoping to stumble upon answers. We can ask for God's wisdom to guide our choices. God always answers this prayer when we ask him. The wisdom that we need has three distinct characteristics: (1) It Is Practical. God's wisdom relates to our lives even during the most trying times. It is not isolated from suffering and trials, but it gives us resources to overcome them. An intelligent person may have profound ideas, but a wise person puts profound ideas to use in order to choose the best course of action. (2) It Is Divine. God's wisdom goes beyond common sense. Common sense does not help us react joyfully in the middle of adversity. God's wisdom begins with respect for him, leads us to follow his direction, and increases our ability to tell right from wrong. This kind of wisdom is described at length in James 3. (3) It Is Christlike. When we ask for wisdom, we are ultimately asking to be more like Christ. The Bible identifies Christ as the "wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24; 2:1-7). [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL The God whom we serve is no respecter of persons. He who gave to Solomon the spirit of wise discernment is willing to impart the same blessing to His children today. "If any of you lack wisdom," His word declares, "let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5. When a burden bearer desires wisdom more than he desires wealth, power, or fame, he will not be disappointed. Such a one will learn from the Great Teacher not only what to do, but how to do it in a way that will meet with the divine approval. PK 31 COMMENTARY In Hebrew thought, wisdom was the ability to apply godliness to everyday living. Not merely head knowledge, wisdom was the practical ability to do the righteous thing in every situation. This was not an inherent human ability but God's gift. That's why we need to ask for wisdom. It is available to every believer who asks. James had received God's gift of wisdom, but it did not make him proud. In fact, James described himself as a "bondservant," meaning a slave or attendant who has given up personal rights to become subservient to another. This humble and wise servant of God offers an abundance of practical, moral, and ethical instruction. Calling believers to lead righteous lives, James included suggestions on dealing with temptation, curbing the tongue, accessing the power of prayer, and demonstrating one's faith through action and not merely in words. He exhorted us to show compassion, love, and kindness to widows, orphans, and strangers. James taught that God is involved in our day-to-day lives and that He is pleased with even the simplest acts of faith, particularly those that express love practically toward others. [Being Still With God Every Day by Henry Blackaby] Wisdom from Above In 2006, Andrew Robinson wrote a book titled The Last Man Who Knew Everything: Thomas Young, the Anonymous Polymath Who Proved Newton Wrong, Explained How We See, Cured the Sick, and Deciphered the Rosetta Stone, Among Other Feats of Genius. While a playful exaggeration, the title points out that, in the past, some people were deemed to know all that could be known. Today, in the "Information Age," no one can come close to achieving this claim. Knowledge has also become so specialized that an expert in one field - say, genetics - cannot possibly grasp everything to know about genetics. Hence, our text for today. It doesn't say, "If anyone lacks information, let him ask of God." Besides, knowledge alone doesn't guarantee that we will make right choices. For instance, you know the traffic laws and you can operate a vehicle; however, does that mean you have the wisdom to avoid driving in icy conditions? We don't need more information. We need more "wisdom," the wisdom that comes from God, our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. The Greek word for "wisdom" here is sophia, from which comes the word "philosophy," which means "love of wisdom." Such wisdom helps us put the proper value on all the information that competes for our attention. You can get all the information you want, but the "Wisdom That Is From Above" (James 3:17) - That Is, A Knowledge Of God, Of His Ways, His Love, His Plan Of Salvation, His Saving Grace - Is What God Promises To Give You, "even liberally and without reproach." It's His promise to you: To receive such wisdom, all you need to do is ask for it by faith. Lord Jesus, give me the wisdom to know You and Your ways. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts] What is it about brothers in the Bible? If you want to know how to treat your siblings, it's hard to find good examples in there - especially the Old Testament. Jacob deceived his brother, Esau, to take all of his rights as the firstborn. Then Jacob tricked their father to receive the blessing that was meant for Esau. Joseph told his older brothers about dreams in which they all worshiped him. (Not exactly a great way to make friends). His brothers reacted by tossing Joseph in a pit, selling him into slavery, and telling their father that a wild animal killed Joseph. And how about those first two brothers, Cain and Abel? Cain's jealously and anger took over and caused him to kill his brother. Yikes! Things don't get much better in the New Testament. Jesus had several half brothers and sisters. His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas are mentioned in the Bible. But according to John 7:5. "Even his own brothers did not believe in him." How could that be? By growing up with Jesus, they would've seen he was different. But maybe it was too much for them to believe that their brother was God's Son. Wait a minute! you might be thinking. Didn't Jesus' Brother James Write A Book In The Bible? Yes, He Did. But He Didn't Believe Jesus' Claims Until After Jesus Died. Once Jesus Rose From The Dead, He Appeared Before James To Tell His Brother The Good News (1 Corinthians 55:7). After Seeing His Older Brother Face-To-Face, James Became One Of Jesus' Most Committed Followers. He Was A Leader In The Church At Jerusalem. Some Experts Say James' Change Of Heart Is One Of The Strongest Arguments For The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ. His Encounter With The Risen Jesus Affected James So Much That He Devoted The Rest Of His Life To Telling The World The Truth About His Older Brother, God's Son, Jesus Christ. In The End, He Was Put To Death For His Message. The beginning of the book of James tells us to ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). As you build your case for Christ, you're going to need plenty of wisdom to sort through arguments and find the truth. Pray to God for wisdom. He'll help you find the truth - just like he did for James. [Case For Christ For Kids by Les Strobel] PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS In Hebrew thought, wisdom was the ability to apply godliness to everyday living. Not merely head knowledge, wisdom was the practical ability to do the righteous thing in every situation. This was not an inherent human ability but God's gift. That's why we need to ask for wisdom. It is available to every believer who asks. [Being Still With God Every Day by Henry Blackaby] "Wisdom That Is From Above" (James 3:17) - That Is, A Knowledge Of God, Of His Ways, His Love, His Plan Of Salvation, His Saving Grace - Is What God Promises To Give You, [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts] EXCELLENT SERMON ON WISDOM Spiritual Wisdom by Pastor Ryan Ashlock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SmjqQcfOY4 LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY James 1:5-7 - FINDING WISDOM: https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200720-0848.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200325-0820.html Proverbs 2:6, 7 - God is the Source of Wisdom. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240206-0819.html Psalm 111:10 - Wisdom 101. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240802-1225.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2011/20110516-1002.html James 1:6-8 - How to Be Stable in Ever-changing Winds: http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200706-0911.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |