Verse of the Day
Friday, January 23, 2026
James 1:5
If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.
Introduction
We often live our lives in a state of decision fatigue. From navigating complex relationships to managing ethical dilemmas in the workplace, we are constantly faced with choices where the "right" answer is not immediately obvious. In these moments, we realize that intelligence alone is not enough; we need something deeper.
James 1:5 provides one of the most reassuring promises in the New Testament. It bridges the gap between our human limitation and divine provision. This verse is not merely a formula for getting smart; it is an invitation into a relationship with a God who is eager to help us navigate the complexities of life.
Commentary
To fully grasp the power of this verse, we must look closely at the specific words James chooses.
"Lacking in Wisdom"
In the biblical sense, wisdom (sophia) is distinct from knowledge. Knowledge is the accumulation of facts; wisdom is the moral and spiritual insight required to apply those facts correctly. It is the ability to see life from God’s perspective. James assumes that lacking wisdom is a normal human condition, not a failure. We are expected to run out of answers.
"Ask God"
The Greek imperative here implies a continuous action—"let him keep on asking." It suggests that wisdom is not a one-time download, but a daily dependence.
"Generously and Ungrudgingly"
This describes the nature of the Giver.
Generously: The Greek word haplōs implies singleness of mind, simplicity, or openness. God gives without ulterior motives and without hesitation.
Ungrudgingly: This is perhaps the most comforting aspect. To give "ungrudgingly" (or "without reproaching") means God does not scold us for asking. He does not say, "You should know this by now" or "Why are you bothering me again?" He gives without citing our past failures or our present ignorance.
Understanding the Context
A verse is best understood by looking at the neighbors it lives with. James 1:5 does not appear in a vacuum; it follows immediately after James’s famous instruction to "count it all joy" when meeting various trials (James 1:2-4).
James has just told his readers that trials produce endurance and maturity. However, for a suffering person, finding "joy" in pain feels counterintuitive, if not impossible. This is exactly why we need wisdom in verse 5.
We do not ask for wisdom just to be smarter than others; specifically in this context, we ask for wisdom to understand our trials. We need God’s help to see how a difficult situation can possibly result in spiritual maturity. Without this specific, God-given wisdom, suffering just looks like senseless pain. With it, we can perceive the redemptive hand of God at work, allowing us to endure with the joy James describes.
Application for Today
How do we move this theology into our daily walk?
Move from Google to God
In the information age, our reflex is to search for data when we have a problem. We look for reviews, tutorials, and expert opinions. While these are useful, they offer knowledge, not wisdom. The application here is to create a "spiritual reflex": before consulting the internet or a peer, we briefly pause to consult the Creator.
Shed the Fear of Nuisance
Many believers subconsciously view God as a busy executive who shouldn't be bothered with "minor" life management issues. James 1:5 dismantles this fear. If God gives "ungrudgingly," we must stop vetting our own prayers to see if they are "important enough." If you lack wisdom in any area—parenting, finances, conflict resolution—you are authorized to ask.
Expect an Answer
The verse concludes with a promise: "and it will be given you." This requires us to be attentive. Wisdom often does not come as a booming voice; it comes as a sudden clarity of mind, a recalled scripture, wise counsel from a friend, or a peace about a specific direction. We must ask, and then we must watch.
Reflection
The central question of James 1:5 is not about our intellectual capacity, but about our humility. To ask for wisdom is to admit insufficiency. It is a surrender of the ego which claims, "I can figure this out on my own."
Consider the posture of your heart when you face a dilemma. Do you approach God with the hesitation of a child fearing a rebuke, or with the confidence of an heir approaching a generous Father? James invites us to rewrite our internal narrative about God’s character. We are not wrestling wisdom out of a reluctant deity’s hands; we are opening our hands to receive what He is already waiting to give. The barrier is rarely His willingness; it is usually our self-reliance.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse, extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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