James writes in James 1:5-11 about obtaining godly wisdom. Now, there is commonly some confusion between what exactly is knowledge and what is wisdom. Knowledge is knowing the truths of something. Wisdom is the ability and utilization of knowledge in a beneficial way.
We may say of someone, “He knows the Bible really well.” This describes the knowledge he has about the Bible. But, if he knows how to use his Bible knowledge to form a biblical worldview and live Christlike through this maze of life, then knowledge has become wisdom.
Paul writes, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). This verse speaks of human wisdom or common think and the deeper wisdom of God that is offered to believers if asked. James writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5-6). Believers need to ask God for wisdom, and they will receive it.
How we ask is important. We should ask in faith, without doubting. We read in James, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:6-8). We must believe God is capable of giving us wisdom as we need it, and He will give it to us as we request it from Him. Therefore, faith excludes doubt. This is to be understood in light of faith not being double-minded. The doubting James describes is that of a believer hedging his bets. How? He doubts by trying to put on foot in God’s kingdom and the other in the ways of the world. Jesus proclaims, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). We cannot be double-minded and flourish as believers.
James proceeds to offer an example of godly wisdom. We learn how to be rich and poor. James writes, “Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits” (James 1:9-11). The poor are to understand the richness of humble circumstances. We could put it this way. Those who find themselves in humble circumstances or a low position ought to take pride in the fact that a high position awaits them in paradise. Those rich are to recognize the poverty of riches. Riches can be very deceptive because they can be lost, taken, and will be resigned upon one’s death. Therefore, James instructs those who are rich to not foolishly trust in their wealth but rather to glory in their humiliation or servanthood in Christ.
In essence, James maintains that the rich and the poor are to live, in godly wisdom, with the same priorities of living. Whether rich or poor or somewhere in between, we are the Lord’s if we are genuine followers of Jesus, and He is indeed the Lord of our life. Godly wisdom leads us in holy living where we trust the Lord for all things; whether steadfastness amid trials (James 1:2-4) or any of life’s situations (i.e., rich or poor), we are to place our hope and joy in the Lord, grateful, and walking humbly in Him, awaiting the true riches of heaven.
It’s only by the wisdom of God that we can navigate life, journeying down the path God has for us of knowing Him and making Him known. The good news is that godly wisdom is ours for the asking. So, do you admit your need for wisdom? Are you willing to ask God for wisdom? Are you committed to the Lord and what He reveals to you? If yes, then be assured God will answer your prayer for wisdom. He is generous and always to be trusted. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!