James 1:5 kjv

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

James 1:5 nkjv

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.

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.

James 1:5 esv

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 1:5 nlt

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

James 1 verses

James 1 5 Meaning

James 1:5 provides a clear promise that if any believer lacks divine wisdom, especially when navigating trials or making difficult decisions, they can confidently ask God for it. God is characterized as one who gives generously, without reluctance or reproaching the one who asks, and the wisdom requested will certainly be granted. This wisdom is not mere intellectual knowledge but spiritual discernment for godly living.

James 1 5 Context

James 1:5 follows immediately after James’s encouragement to believers to "consider it pure joy" when they encounter trials (Jas 1:2), understanding that perseverance cultivated through these trials leads to mature character (Jas 1:3-4). The acquisition of "wisdom" is therefore presented as crucial for navigating these very trials. Believers, experiencing diverse tribulations, would naturally feel a lack of insight on how to respond righteously or effectively. James recognizes this spiritual need and directs them to God as the sole, unfailing source. This verse bridges the recognition of trials with the divine enablement to endure and grow through them. The recipients, dispersed Jewish Christians, needed practical guidance to live faithfully amidst external pressures and internal struggles, requiring wisdom far beyond human reasoning or worldly understanding.

James 1 5 Word analysis

• If any of you: This phrase broadens the invitation, signifying that the promise is not exclusive but available to any individual believer, regardless of their background, standing, or perceived level of faith. It implies a personal assessment of one's own need.
• lacks (Greek: leipō / λείπω): Conveys a state of genuine deficiency, a falling short, or an absence of something essential. It emphasizes a recognized need, not merely a desire for more. In this context, it speaks to an individual's inability to comprehend or respond to life's challenges (especially trials, as per Jas 1:2-4) through their own limited understanding.
• wisdom (Greek: sophia / σοφία): More than intellectual acumen or worldly knowledge. In the biblical sense, particularly in wisdom literature like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, it refers to practical spiritual insight, godly discernment, and the ability to apply divine truth to life's circumstances (Prov 9:10). It is understanding how to live rightly in accordance with God's will and purpose, especially during complex or trying situations.
• let him ask (Greek: aiteō / αἰτέω): This is a direct command or imperative, indicating a definite course of action. It implies a humble and dependent request made with sincerity and expectation, recognizing God's authority and ability to provide. The tense suggests an ongoing action of asking.
• God: The supreme and only source of true wisdom (Prov 2:6). Asking God means turning away from self-reliance, worldly advice, or deceptive counsel, and relying solely on the divine Provider.
• who gives (Greek: didōmi / δίδωμι): Emphasizes God's active role as a Giver. It highlights His nature as benevolent and willing to supply the needs of His children.
• generously (Greek: haplōs / ἁπλῶς): This adverb implies that God gives simply, sincerely, ungrudgingly, abundantly, and without reservation. Unlike human giving, which can be stingy, conditional, or with ulterior motives, God’s giving is unreserved and pure. There is no partiality or reluctance in His provision of wisdom.
• to all: Reinforces the universal scope of God's offer. His generosity extends to anyone who asks, regardless of their past mistakes, perceived spiritual worthiness, or social status. It rejects any notion of partiality in His divine supply.
• without finding fault (Greek: oneidizō / ὀνειδίζω): Literally, "without upbraiding," "without casting reproach," or "without reviling." This crucial phrase distinguishes God's giving from human giving. A human benefactor might reluctantly give or scold the recipient for their deficiency or for having to ask at all. God, however, does not shame, embarrass, or remind the one asking of their foolishness, previous failures, or current inadequacy. He gives graciously, without condition or regret, accepting the genuine need without accusation.
• and it will be given to him: This is an unconditional divine promise of certainty, provided the conditions of humble asking in faith are met. It assures the petitioner that their request will be honored and the needed wisdom will indeed be imparted. It demonstrates God's faithfulness to His Word.

• If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God: This phrase clearly establishes the human condition of need and points directly to the divine solution. It acknowledges that human understanding is insufficient for spiritual discernment, particularly when confronted by the complexities of life and faith. The solution is presented as immediate and accessible through prayer.
• who gives generously to all without finding fault: This collective phrase profoundly reveals God's character as a lavish, impartial, and non-condemning Giver. It assures the petitioner that their deficiency or the act of asking itself will not invite judgment or disdain from God. This characteristic makes asking a safe and confident act, devoid of fear.
• and it will be given to him: This promises the inevitable fulfillment of the request when God's character and the simple act of asking are honored. It seals the divine guarantee, providing ultimate confidence to the one seeking wisdom.

James 1 5 Bonus section

• The wisdom sought in James 1:5 is particularly applicable to the trials and temptations discussed throughout the early chapters of James. It enables believers to discern God's purposes in suffering, endure with patience, and make choices that align with His will rather than succumbing to human error or despair.
• The unique emphasis on God giving "without finding fault" distinguishes Him sharply from human givers who often burden their recipients with conditions, expectations, or veiled accusations. This aspect profoundly comforts believers, encouraging them to approach God with complete freedom and honesty about their inadequacies.
• This verse forms the bedrock for approaching any situation in life where human wisdom proves insufficient, prompting a dependence on God for divine direction and insight. It underscores that humility to acknowledge one's limitations is the prerequisite for receiving God's generous provision.
• It also serves as an implicit call against seeking worldly wisdom or human counsel first, instead prioritizing direct communion and dependence on the Giver of all true wisdom.

James 1 5 Commentary

James 1:5 offers a profound assurance of God's grace and accessibility. It posits that wisdom, essential for navigating the trials outlined in preceding verses, is not inherent to humans but divinely sourced. When a believer humbly recognizes their inadequacy and "lacks" this specific godly insight, the direct instruction is to "ask God." The verse then powerfully describes God's character as a giver: He "gives generously," indicating an overflowing, unreserved, and ungrudging supply. The universality of "to all" underscores that this offer is open to any believer who genuinely seeks, regardless of perceived spiritual status or past failings. Critically, God gives "without finding fault" – He does not reproach, scold, or remind the seeker of their deficiency or past foolishness. This highlights His unconditional grace and welcomes even the most timid or self-conscious individual. The final promise, "and it will be given to him," guarantees the unfailing fulfillment of this request when made in faith, confirming God's faithfulness and generosity in providing spiritual discernment to His children. This verse empowers believers to face life's challenges not with human strength, but with divine wisdom, fostering reliance on God in all circumstances.