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But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given him.
Verse Takeaways
1
Wisdom for Your Trials
Commentators stress that the 'wisdom' mentioned here is primarily the practical, God-given understanding needed to endure trials. It's not about knowing everything, but about seeing your hardships from God's perspective, learning the lessons He intends, and responding with patience instead of despair. When you don't know how to handle suffering, God invites you to ask for this specific kind of wisdom.
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Book Overview
James
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13
18th Century
Presbyterian
If any of you lack wisdom. This probably refers particularly to the kind of wisdom they would need in their trials to enable them to bear …
Lacketh wisdom (λειπετα σοφιας). Condition of first class, assumed as true, ε and present passive indicative of λειπω to be destit…
19th Century
Anglican
If any of you lack wisdom.—The Apostle moves on to the thought of heavenly wisdom; not the knowledge of the deep things o…
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Baptist
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect an…
Verses 5–8 contain God’s offer of help for those who are facing trials. The repetition of the word “lack” shows that James is still discussing the …
16th Century
Protestant
If any of you lack wisdom. Since our reason and all our feelings are averse to the thought that we can be happy in the midst of evils, he …
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
If any of you lack wisdom This shows that the perfection before spoken of is not to be understood as in this life, s…
Christianity teaches people to be joyful amidst troubles: such trials are sent from God's love, and trials in the path of duty will brighten our gr…