Page 6 - book_james

The Greek of verse 4 translates, “But let patience keep on possessing her fully mature production that ye
may be mature and undamaged in all areas of life being deficient in none of these areas.” The end result
of God’s Word in our lives is self‐sufficiency, so we no longer need the help of other believers but can
actually be of assistance to those who are not mature or self‐sustaining.

Ask Without Wavering

Jas 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach,
and it will be given to him.

If any of you lack (leipo: being deficient in) wisdom (sophia) let him ask (aiteo) of God . . .
This is not asking for knowledge of the Word but how to use the Word under pressure. Knowledge comes
from the study of the Word (2 Timothy 2:15), but wisdom comes by prayer and Revelation of the Holy
Spirit. Solomon did not ask for knowledge but wisdom from God to care for His people (1 Kings 3:5‐10).

. . . that giveth (didomi) to all men liberally (aplos: generously without reserve) and upbraideth (oinedizo:
insults) not . . .
When we ask for wisdom, God sends it liberally and never insults us for asking. Nothing is too small or
insignificant to God. He is not stingy; He wants to shower us with blessings. Men may upbraid us and say
we lack faith, but God never does. He gives to everyone because he is never partial. God will stop
everything to answer our question. If it is important to us, it is important to God.

. . .and it shall be given him.

This is the assurance we have it we ask in faith (1 John 5:14‐15).
Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven
and tossed by the wind.

But let him ask in (by means of) faith (pistis), not wavering (diakrino: doubting nothing) . . .

This means that when faith is in operation, it cannot be accompanied by doubt toward the scriptures. One
test of faith is to see if doubt is present.
. . . for he that wavereth (diakrino: doubts) is like a wave of the sea . . .

A wave is an example of instability and disorientation. It is controlled by the wind (a type of
circumstances). It rises and then falls apart. It is momentary and totally controlled by its environment.

. . . driven (anemizo: tossed around) with the wind and tossed (ripizo).

These two terms describe instability. They describe the immature believer who tries to believe then
doubts. A mature believer can admit to his spiritual level of faith and operate there. He can continue to
study God’s Word and grow. He is not tossed around by the wind of circumstances and false doctrine
(Ephesians 4:14), but remains stable through all storms.

FAITH, DOUBT AND UNBELIEF

Although we use the terms “doubt” and “unbelief” together, they do not mean the same thing. Doubt
stands between faith and unbelief. Faith has made up its mind. So has unbelief. Doubt wavers between