Wisdom for Trouble

James 1:5–8 ESV

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 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. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Man is needy. v5a

What does man need?

What is wisdom?

Wisdom is rightly applying truth, knowledge, and understanding.

Wisdom is making good choices.

“Wise-way choices are better than my-way choices.”

We lack truth.

We lack knowledge.

We lack understanding.

Illustration: Baker needing ingredients

When we mix it all together we have the ingredients for wisdom.

But then it needs to be baked.

We lack wisdom.

God is sufficient. v5b

God is truth. John 14:6, 1 John 5:20

God knows all things. 1 John 3:20

God understands all things. Psalm 147:5

God is sufficient in all things in all times.

God gives generously to all. v5

God gives with pleasure. v5

Man must ask God. v5b

Man must ask in faith. v6

“Faith is believing trust upon God’s nature, character, plans, and promises revealed in scripture and through the Spirit.”

Man must not doubt. v6

Man can be double minded. - Like waves of the sea.

God is single-minded. - Like a unmoveable rock.

Man has a greater need than Wisdom.

Man is in need of Salvation.

Man stands condemned.

John 3:18 ESV

18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

Proverbs 9:10 ESV

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Wisdom is necessary for patient endurance when you meet various troubles.