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NASB | James 1:5 ¶ But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | James 1:5 ¶ If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. |
Bible Question: Does the asking for wisdom in this verse apply only to understanding why/the purpose for our suffering, or does it apply to everything? In other words, if I am unsure as to where to serve in ministry, is it legitimate to use this verse as an exhortation--I need wisdom for where to serve, and the Bible says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." So, in reliance on this verse, I pray, asking God for wisdom as to where to serve Him. I mentioned this to a pastor recently, and he told me that the verse only applies to asking for wisdom related to suffering, and not to other things. Is this true? |
Bible Answer: Hi pmandassoc, You are wondering about whether you should use this verse as an "exhortation". I wonder if that is the word you wanted to use, for it gives the idea that you "urge strongly" that God give you an answer. What I have heard from others is that if someone is "called" then he/she knows it without a doubt. We would ask for practical wisdom for the living of our lives, but the thoughts of the Spirit and the mind of the Lord, we don't know. Romans 11:33 says, "Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? 35 Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again?" The best thing that we can do is like Romans 12:1 says, "I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." Renew your mind that you may prove what the will of God is. God has given to each man a measure of faith. 1) Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Look at 2 Corinthians 1:17-22 as encouragement for the fact that there should be no doubt---there was not yes, and no, but is yes in Him. 2) Look at James 3:9-18 for the wisdom that comes from God. From the heart, Ray |