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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/1-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/59_Jas_01_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 1:5 - Rejoicing in Trials" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/james/1-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/james/1-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/james/">James</a> > <a href="/james/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/james/1-4.htm" title="James 1:4">◄</a> James 1:5 <a href="/james/1-6.htm" title="James 1:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/james/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/james/1.htm">New International Version</a> 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. <a href="/nlt/james/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. <a href="/esv/james/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. <a href="/bsb/james/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. <a href="/blb/james/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask from God, the One giving generously to all and not finding fault, and it will be given to him. <a href="/kjv/james/1.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/james/1.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/james/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. <a href="/nasb/james/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. <a href="/nasb77/james/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. <a href="/lsb/james/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. <a href="/amp/james/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. <a href="/csb/james/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. <a href="/hcsb/james/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. <a href="/asv/james/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. <a href="/cev/james/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won't correct you for asking. <a href="/erv/james/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. <a href="/gwt/james/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn't find fault with them. <a href="/gnt/james/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all. <a href="/isv/james/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to everyone generously without a rebuke, and it will be given to him. <a href="/msb/james/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. <a href="/net/james/1.htm">NET Bible</a> But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. <a href="/nheb/james/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without finding fault; and it will be given to him. <a href="/wbt/james/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> If any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given to him. <a href="/wey/james/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And if any one of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask God for it, who gives with open hand to all men, and without upbraiding; and it will be given him. <a href="/web/james/1.htm">World English Bible</a> 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 to him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask from God, who is giving to all generously, and not reproaching, and it will be given to him; <a href="/blb/james/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask from God, the One giving generously to all and not finding fault, and it will be given to him. <a href="/ylt/james/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and if any of you do lack wisdom, let him ask from God, who is giving to all liberally, and not reproaching, and it shall be given to him; <a href="/slt/james/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> If any of you is forsaken of wisdom, let him ask of God, giving to all plainly, blaming not; and it shall be given him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But if any of you want wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men abundantly, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. <a href="/cpdv/james/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But if anyone among you is in need of wisdom, let him petition God, who gives abundantly to all without reproach, and it shall be given to him. <a href="/nabre/james/1.htm">New American Bible</a> But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. <a href="/nrsvce/james/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally and with grace; and it shall be given him. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But if anyone of you lacks wisdom, let him ask from God who gives to everyone simply, and does not reproach, and it will be given to him.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Now, if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. <a href="/godbey/james/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all cheerfully and upbraids none; and it will be given unto him. <a href="/haweis/james/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But if any man of you be deficient in wisdom, let him ask it of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not and it shall be given him. <a href="/mace/james/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> If any of you is deficient in prudence, let him ask it of God, who liberally gives to all without upbraiding: and he will give it. <a href="/wey/james/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And if any one of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask God for it, who gives with open hand to all men, and without upbraiding; and it will be given him. <a href="/worrell/james/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But, if any of you is lacking in wisdom, let him ask from God, Who giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not; and it will be given him; <a href="/worsley/james/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask it of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. <a href="/parallel/james/1-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=28" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/james/1.htm">Rejoicing in Trials</a> …4Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Now</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: Ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">any</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">of you</a> <a href="/greek/3007.htm" title="3007: leipetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- A primary verb; to leave, i.e. to fail or be absent.">lacks</a> <a href="/greek/4678.htm" title="4678: sophias (N-GFS) -- Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom.">wisdom,</a> <a href="/greek/154.htm" title="154: aiteitō (V-PMA-3S) -- To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.">he should ask</a> <a href="/greek/3844.htm" title="3844: para (Prep) -- Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. "></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: didontos (V-PPA-GMS) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">gives</a> <a href="/greek/574.htm" title="574: haplōs (Adv) -- Simply, sincerely, graciously, bountifully. Adverb from haplous; bountifully.">generously</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasin (Adj-DMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">to all</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">without</a> <a href="/greek/3679.htm" title="3679: oneidizontos (V-PPA-GMS) -- To reproach, revile, upbraid. From oneidos; to defame, i.e. Rail at, chide, taunt.">finding fault,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: dothēsetai (V-FIP-3S) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">it will be given</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to him.</a> 6But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Proverbs 2:6</a> For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. <a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a> Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. <a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a> Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ... <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a> Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. <a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a> in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-30.htm">1 Corinthians 1:30</a> It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. <a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a> Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. <a href="/luke/11-9.htm">Luke 11:9-13</a> So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. / What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? ... <a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">1 John 5:14-15</a> And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. / And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him. <a href="/proverbs/8-17.htm">Proverbs 8:17</a> I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me. <a href="/jeremiah/33-3.htm">Jeremiah 33:3</a> Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know. <a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17</a> that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. <a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a> And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” <a href="/psalms/25-9.htm">Psalm 25:9</a> He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraides not; and it shall be given him.any.<a href="/exodus/31-3.htm">Exodus 31:3,6</a> And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, … <a href="/exodus/36-1.htm">Exodus 36:1-4</a> Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded… <a href="/1_kings/3-7.htm">1 Kings 3:7-9,11,12</a> And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in… let.<a href="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a> Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.<a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17</a> But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.<a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a> Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.and upbraideth.<a href="/matthew/11-20.htm">Matthew 11:20</a> Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:<a href="/mark/16-14.htm">Mark 16:14</a> Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.<a href="/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20-22</a> And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/1-4.htm">Deficient</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-8.htm">Fault</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-8.htm">Finding</a> <a href="/philemon/1-14.htm">Freely</a> <a href="/titus/3-6.htm">Generously</a> <a href="/james/1-3.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/songs/7-2.htm">Lacketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-29.htm">Lacks</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Open</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-13.htm">Reproach</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-26.htm">Reproaches</a> <a href="/mark/15-32.htm">Reproaching</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-19.htm">Request</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-2.htm">Unkind</a> <a href="/job/6-25.htm">Upbraiding</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/daniel/5-27.htm">Deficient</a> <a href="/james/3-2.htm">Fault</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">Finding</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-11.htm">Freely</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-8.htm">Generously</a> <a href="/james/1-15.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/james/5-8.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-8.htm">Lacketh</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-9.htm">Lacks</a> <a href="/james/3-17.htm">Open</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-14.htm">Reproach</a> <a href="/psalms/44-16.htm">Reproaches</a> <a href="/psalms/119-42.htm">Reproaching</a> <a href="/james/1-6.htm">Request</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Unkind</a> <a href="/job/6-25.htm">Upbraiding</a> <a href="/james/3-13.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">James 1</div>1. <a href="/james/1-1.htm">James greets the twelve tribes among the nations;</a> 2. <a href="/james/1-2.htm">exhorts to rejoice in trials and temptations;</a> 5. <a href="/james/1-5.htm">to ask patience of God;</a> 13. <a href="/james/1-13.htm">and in our trials not to impute our weakness, or sins, to him,</a> 19. <a href="/james/1-19.htm">but rather to hearken to the word, to meditate on it, and to do thereafter.</a> 26. <a href="/james/1-26.htm">Otherwise men may seem, but never be, truly religious.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/james/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now if any of you lacks wisdom This phrase acknowledges the human condition of lacking wisdom, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. Wisdom in the biblical sense is not merely knowledge but the ability to apply knowledge in a godly manner. The Old Testament, particularly in Proverbs, emphasizes the value of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a>). The audience, likely Jewish Christians facing trials, would understand wisdom as essential for navigating life's challenges.he should ask God This directive underscores the importance of prayer and reliance on God. The act of asking God highlights a relationship of dependence and trust. In the cultural context of the early church, prayer was a fundamental practice, as seen in the lives of Jesus and the apostles (<a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-11</a>). This reflects the belief that God is the ultimate source of wisdom, as seen in Solomon's request for wisdom (<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9</a>).who gives generously to all This phrase reveals God's character as generous and impartial. The Greek term for "generously" implies a single-minded, sincere giving. This aligns with God's nature as depicted throughout Scripture, where He provides abundantly for His people (<a href="/philippians/4-19.htm">Philippians 4:19</a>). The inclusivity of "to all" suggests that God's wisdom is available to anyone who seeks it, transcending cultural and social barriers.without finding fault God's willingness to give without reproach contrasts with human tendencies to judge or criticize. This reflects God's grace and mercy, as He does not hold past failures against those who seek His wisdom. The concept of God not finding fault is consistent with His forgiving nature, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/103-10.htm">Psalm 103:10-12</a>, where He does not treat us as our sins deserve.and it will be given to him This promise assures believers of God's faithfulness in responding to their requests for wisdom. The certainty of "it will be given" emphasizes God's reliability and the effectiveness of prayer. This assurance is echoed in other scriptural promises, such as <a href="/matthew/21-22.htm">Matthew 21:22</a>, where Jesus assures that whatever is asked in prayer with faith will be received. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His promises.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a> The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes to encourage believers in their faith and conduct. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The central figure in this verse, depicted as the generous giver of wisdom. His nature is highlighted as generous and non-judgmental. 3. <a href="/topical/r/recipients_of_the_epistle.htm">Recipients of the Epistle</a> Early Christians, likely Jewish believers scattered among the nations, facing trials and needing guidance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_wisdom.htm">The Need for Wisdom</a> Recognize that wisdom is essential for navigating life's challenges and making godly decisions. Acknowledge your need for it. <a href="/topical/g/god's_generosity.htm">God's Generosity</a> Trust in God's character as a generous giver. He provides wisdom without reproach, meaning He does not criticize us for our lack of wisdom. <a href="/topical/t/the_act_of_asking.htm">The Act of Asking</a> Approach God in prayer with confidence, knowing that He is willing to provide wisdom. This requires humility and faith. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_promise.htm">Faith in God's Promise</a> Believe in the promise that wisdom will be given. This faith is crucial in receiving what God has promised. <a href="/topical/p/practical_application_of_wisdom.htm">Practical Application of Wisdom</a> Once received, apply the wisdom in daily life, making decisions that align with God's will and reflect His character.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 1</a> <a href="/q/why_do_believers_struggle_despite_praying.htm">James 1:5 claims God gives wisdom to all who ask—why do many believers seek guidance and still struggle with unanswered prayers or confusion? </a> <a href="/q/who_were_the_children_of_king_david.htm">What is godly wisdom and how can I obtain it?</a> <a href="/q/effective_bible_study_habits.htm">What are effective habits for studying the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_asking_god_for_wisdom_imply.htm">What does asking God for wisdom imply?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/james/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) If any of you lack wisdom.--The Apostle passes on to the thought of heavenly wisdom; not the knowledge of the deep things of God, but that which is able to make us wise unto our latter end (<a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm" title="Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end.">Proverbs 19:20</a>). Few may be able, save in self-conceit, to say with Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/50-4.htm" title="The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakens morning by morning, he wakens my ear to hear as the learned.">Isaiah 50:4</a>), "The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned;" and, on the other hand, the wisest and most gifted of men may truly be wanting in the wisdom descending from above.Let him ask of God.--But whoever, learned or unlearned, feels in his heart the need of the knowledge of God, since to know Him "is eternal life" (<a href="/john/17-3.htm" title="And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.">John 17:3</a>), "let him ask" for it in all purity of intention, simply, i.e., for His honour and service, "and it shall be given him."That giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not.--"Liberally" had better, perhaps, be changed to simply--i.e., God gives fully and directly, and reproacheth (or, "upbraideth") not the utterance of such a prayer, in no way detracting from the graciousness of His gifts. How wide the difference from any generosity of man I "Yea," wrote Dante, in exile at Verona,". . . thou shalt learn how salt his food, who faresUpon another's bread.--how steep his path,Who treadeth up and down another's stairs." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 5-11. - Digression suggested by the thought of perfection. There can be no true perfection without wisdom, which is the gift of God, and must be sought from him. It is possible that the thought and connection of the passage is due to a reminiscence of Wisd. 9:6, "For though a man be never so perfect (τέλειος) among the children of men, yet if thy wisdom be not with him, he shall be nothing regarded." But whether this be so or not, the teaching is manifestly founded on our Lord's words with regard to prayer, <a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7</a>, "Ask, and it shall be given you;" and <a href="/mark/11-23.htm">Mark 11:23</a>, "Have faith in God. Verily I say unto you, Whoever shall say... and shall not doubt (διακριθῇ) in his heart," etc. Τοῦ διδόντος Θεοῦ. The order of the words shows that God's character is that of a Giver: "the giving God." His "nature and property" is to give as well as to forgive. Man often spoils his gifts, (1) by the grudging way in which they are given, and (2) by the reproaches which accompany them. God, on the contrary, gives to all . . . <a href="/commentaries/james/1-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>If Εἰ (Ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. any τις (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. of you ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. lacks λείπεται (leipetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3007.htm">Strong's 3007: </a> A primary verb; to leave, i.e. to fail or be absent. wisdom, σοφίας (sophias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4678.htm">Strong's 4678: </a> Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom. he should ask αἰτείτω (aiteitō) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_154.htm">Strong's 154: </a> To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask. God, Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. who τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. gives διδόντος (didontos) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. generously ἁπλῶς (haplōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_574.htm">Strong's 574: </a> Simply, sincerely, graciously, bountifully. Adverb from haplous; bountifully. to all πᾶσιν (pasin) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. without μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. finding fault, ὀνειδίζοντος (oneidizontos) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3679.htm">Strong's 3679: </a> To reproach, revile, upbraid. From oneidos; to defame, i.e. Rail at, chide, taunt. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. it will be given δοθήσεται (dothēsetai) Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. to him. αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/1-5.htm">NT Letters: James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/1-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 1:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 1:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/1-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 1:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 1:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>