James 1:5 · kjv
James 1:5 KJV - If Any of You Lack Wisdom, Let Him Ask of God
“E, se algum de vocês tem falta de sabedoria, peça-a a Deus, que a todos dá generosamente e não recrimina, e ela lhe será dada.”
James 1:5 in the KJV declares: "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." The word "wisdom" translates the Greek sophia, rooted in the Hebrew chokmah, denoting practical skill in living rightly before God, not mere intellect. "Lack" is leipetai, meaning "to be destitute, left behind." "Liberally" comes from haplos, meaning "simply, generously, without hidden motive," and "upbraideth not," me oneidizontos, literally "without reproaching or shaming." James writes around AD 45-50, drawing on Jewish wisdom literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Sirach) and Solomon's famous request at Gibeon (1 Kings 3:5-12). The context is critical: verse 5 follows James's command to count trials as joy, linking wisdom with endurance. When trials bewilder, God does not scold the asker, a striking contrast to human teachers who often shame ignorance. The promise "it shall be given" uses the future passive indicative, guaranteeing divine response. This verse became foundational for Christian doctrines of illumination and also famously motivated young Joseph Smith in 1820, though classical Christianity has always anchored it in James's broader call to faith-filled, double-mindedness-free prayer (verses 6-8).
Chapter Context
James 1:5 sits within the epistle's opening argument on trials and maturity. Verses 2-4 teach that testing produces endurance leading to completeness; verse 5 then answers the natural question, "How do I navigate trials I cannot understand?" The answer is prayer for wisdom. Verses 6-8 qualify the promise: ask in faith, not wavering, for the double-minded man is unstable. The passage mirrors Jewish wisdom traditions where Solomon asked for understanding rather than wealth, and God granted both. James then pivots to the reversal of social status (verses 9-11), showing that divine wisdom inverts worldly value systems. The passage frames wisdom as God's gift for obedience, not academic mastery.
How to Apply This Verse
- Pray specifically before major decisions. Before accepting a job, choosing a spouse, or parenting through crisis, pause and ask God for sophia, listing the decision points explicitly. Journal both the request and the answer you sense, then check it against Scripture and mature counsel.
- Replace shame with boldness in prayer. Many avoid asking God because they feel foolish or guilty. James assures that God does not upbraid; approach Him as a generous Father, not a reluctant professor. Confidence in His character unlocks the flow of wisdom promised.
- Combine asking with acting. Wisdom in James is embodied, so once clarity comes, obey quickly. Waiting for more certainty often signals double-mindedness. Take the next faithful step and trust God to redirect if needed, rather than demanding exhaustive foresight.