James 1:5

James 1:5

Thoughts from Brian Cook

Dive Deeper

Godfidence- Swipe
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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

Godfidence- Behind the Scenes
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Author and teacher Jen Wilkin says this about our requests for wisdom versus our desire for knowledge: “Often, we pray for wisdom when, in fact, we are seeking knowledge. Tell me what to do, Lord. Tell me which commitment to accept, what words to say, where to live, and who to work for…but we are not asking for understanding; we are asking for information. And in doing so, we betray our unwillingness to move from immaturity to maturity as a disciple.”

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God can and does reveal knowledge. We can ask our all-knowing Father for specific information. But the promise we find in James 1:5 is not a promise for knowledge, but a promise for wisdom. And even without having all the knowledge available about a certain quandary, Wilkin says we can still make wise decisions.

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“Wisdom is the ability to make good decisions based on the knowledge available” (Wilkin, In His Image). Since we are not omniscient and don’t have perfect knowledge, we won’t be perfect decision makers. But still, we can be good decision makers by applying the wisdom God grants us to the limited facts we have in a given situation.

Godfidence- Make it Real
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As much as I like the phrase, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey,” that often isn’t my instinctual approach to life. My mind tends to jump to, “What’s next and how soon can I get there?” I want the fast-track. I want knowledge and direction without having to pause to seek wisdom and understanding. Are you able to relate to that?

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James 1:5 promises God will generously give wisdom when we ask. But how many of us stay still long enough to receive it? Does our petition to God look more like doorbell ditching than asking, seeking, and knocking?

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Even once we receive wisdom, we don’t immediately have all the answers to our most pressing questions. Wisdom, unlike knowledge, doesn’t consist of facts to be consumed. Wisdom is more of a framework we apply to the challenges that face us. So even once we receive wisdom, our work isn’t over as we must diligently apply the wisdom.

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My initial reaction to this is disappointment. But it’s actually evidence of God’s goodness and His great love for us! Instead of handing out easy answers like a Magic 8 Ball, God desires to grow us. Not only will we arrive at our destination of being able to make a wise decision, but through the journey, we will also grow in our dependence on the Giver of wisdom. And when I think of it that way, having all the answers on-demand seems like a cheap substitute.

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So what about you? Is your desire for knowledge greater than your desire for wisdom? After reading about the difference between the two, are you willing to pursue wisdom, wait for God to grant it, and spend time with Him learning how to apply it?

Godfidence- End in Prayer
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Father, thank You for desiring the best for me, even when I am too impatient to appreciate it. Thank You for convicting me of my desire for instant gratification and for calling me to something better. I don’t just want to know which way to go, I want to know You more deeply with every step. Please generously give me the wisdom I need to live a life that glorifies You. From Your goodness and through Your power, Lord, amen.

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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

Behind the Scenes

Author and teacher Jen Wilkin says this about our requests for wisdom versus our desire for knowledge: “Often, we pray for wisdom when, in fact, we are seeking knowledge. Tell me what to do, Lord. Tell me which commitment to accept, what words to say, where to live, and who to work for…but we are not asking for understanding; we are asking for information. And in doing so, we betray our unwillingness to move from immaturity to maturity as a disciple.” 

God can and does reveal knowledge. We can ask our all-knowing Father for specific information. But the promise we find in James 1:5 is not a promise for knowledge, but a promise for wisdom. And even without having all the knowledge available about a certain quandary, Wilkin says we can still make wise decisions. 

“Wisdom is the ability to make good decisions based on the knowledge available” (Wilkin, In His Image). Since we are not omniscient and don’t have perfect knowledge, we won’t be perfect decision makers. But still, we can be good decision makers by applying the wisdom God grants us to the limited facts we have in a given situation. 

Make it Real

As much as I like the phrase, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey,” that often isn’t my instinctual approach to life. My mind tends to jump to, “What’s next and how soon can I get there?” I want the fast-track. I want knowledge and direction without having to pause to seek wisdom and understanding. Are you able to relate to that? 

James 1:5 promises God will generously give wisdom when we ask. But how many of us stay still long enough to receive it? Does our petition to God look more like doorbell ditching than asking, seeking, and knocking? 

Even once we receive wisdom, we don’t immediately have all the answers to our most pressing questions. Wisdom, unlike knowledge, doesn’t consist of facts to be consumed. Wisdom is more of a framework we apply to the challenges that face us. So even once we receive wisdom, our work isn’t over as we must diligently apply the wisdom.  

My initial reaction to this is disappointment. But it’s actually evidence of God’s goodness and His great love for us! Instead of handing out easy answers like a Magic 8 Ball, God desires to grow us. Not only will we arrive at our destination of being able to make a wise decision, but through the journey, we will also grow in our dependence on the Giver of wisdom. And when I think of it that way, having all the answers on-demand seems like a cheap substitute.  

So what about you? Is your desire for knowledge greater than your desire for wisdom? After reading about the difference between the two, are you willing to pursue wisdom, wait for God to grant it, and spend time with Him learning how to apply it?  

Hailey Schroeder

Hailey Schroeder

ACF Devo Team

End in Prayer

Father, thank You for desiring the best for me, even when I am too impatient to appreciate it. Thank You for convicting me of my desire for instant gratification and for calling me to something better. I don’t just want to know which way to go, I want to know You more deeply with every step. Please generously give me the wisdom I need to live a life that glorifies You. From Your goodness and through Your power, Lord, amen. 

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