Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 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 (NIV).
These verses have to do with suffering that leads to greater sanctification on the part of the believer since God’s will is for us is to be “mature and complete” in Him. I had always wondered why then does James in verse 5 make a sharp turn to talking about wisdom?
When trying to solve questions of Biblical interpretation and more specifically, what is meant by a specific word, in this case “wisdom”, it is often times helpful to look throughout the greater context to see how the author defines the word. Key = how does the author define the word, not, how do I define the word.
In chapter 3:13-18 he says -
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical. And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace.
Here James seems to define “wisdom” in more of a “fruit of the spirit” kind of way. So if we take this definition of wisdom back to our original problem verse in chapter one, it may make more sense.
If in the face of “trials of many kinds” you are a lacking purity, peace, gentleness, mercy, and good fruit, etc, (attributes from chapter 3 passage above) then you can ask God and he will supply the character that you need to endure the trial.
In the past I have used this verse to counsel myself or others to use this verse when wrestling with making a hard decision. Seek God and he will provide the wisdom that you need to make the choice! Now, that admonition is not unbiblical per se, but I think using this verse to affirm that truth may be a bit misdirected based on the context of the verse and the greater context of the book of James that helps us understand what he means by wisdom.
Seems to make sense to me, but I could be wrong here. I would love hear your thoughts.
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