Day 173 · Year 1 · The Story of Scripture
If anyone lacks wisdom
James writes for people who have to make hard calls today.
Today's passage
James 1:2-5
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds,
3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
4Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
5Now 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.
Berean Standard Bible · public domain
Reflection
James does not promise that trials will be brief. He says they are an apprenticeship in steadiness. And he says the way through is not to fake having it figured out; it is to ask God, who 'gives generously to all without reproach.' That last phrase matters. God does not roll his eyes when you ask the same thing again. He gives without scolding. Whatever decision is in front of you, you are allowed to ask.
From the great tradition · paraphrased
Thomas Aquinas · Medieval · 13th c. · Italy
Thomas Aquinas insisted that prayer for wisdom is reasonable, not weak — that the same God who is the source of truth is the One who delights to share it with those who ask.
Paraphrase only. Scripture, not any teacher, is the authority.
Think it through
- What does James say trials produce, and how?
- How does God respond to the one who asks for wisdom?
- What decision do you need to actually bring to God this week?
A prayer to pray
Ask plainly for wisdom about the specific decision in front of you. Trust the promise that he gives without reproach.