Being able to receive wisdom from God – the creator of the universe – would be a treasure! But what is it and how would one receive wisdom from God? The apostle James focuses some on this topic in his epistle. It’s a fitting place given that his short letter is sometimes referred to as the “Proverbs of the New Testament.”
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
While James says clearly states that all one needs do to receive wisdom from God is ask Him, confusion still abounds regarding what this wisdom actually is – maybe some kind of “special revelation?” Imagined, or extra-biblical ideas about the Holy Spirit, lead some into an almost miraculous notion of wisdom and how one might receive wisdom from God. What else can we learn from James about how to receive wisdom from God and what about the rest of Scripture?
How Scripture answers "How does one receive wisdom from God (James 1:5)?"
James says we receive wisdom from God by asking Him for it in faith1. It’s a wisdom specifically for a Christian to continue in their faith each day1. Later, James goes on to tell us about another kind of wisdom234. This wisdom has to do with teachers of God’s word and it is displayed through their “good conduct”2. James also draws a distinction between the wisdom of man and wisdom that “comes down from heaven”3, or from God. A teacher with the former is “false to the truth”3 – what scripture refers to as a false teacher/prophet.
Conversely, the teacher with wisdom from above teaches first and foremost that which is pure (only God’s word), doing so with sincerity and reason among other things4. The resulting “harvest of righteousness” is the true peace that Jesus promised4. Other Bible teaching on wisdom beautifully corroborates James’ teaching56789101113.
Paul draws the “practical living” wisdom1 together with the “gospel teaching” wisdom234 in his introduction to the Corinthians6. It’s there that he directly connects the “wisdom from above”4 with the purity of God’s word to the exclusion of “earthly” wisdom3. Proverbs writers testify of the broad truths that God is the dispenser of true wisdom5, the acquisition of which requires at the bare minimum someone who is not foolish1011 and acknowledges God’s authority591112 (so that they would even consider asking God1).
CASE STUDY: King Solomon famously asked God for the “practical”1 wisdom and knowledge to govern which God granted7. However, we also see Solomon lamenting his God-given wisdom and knowledge later in his life8. We might say it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be…maybe because Solomon didn’t always remain “upright” in his life5, but in the end, he recognized the only wisdom that mattered8 – the wisdom of God’s words alone46.
Answer built on scripture-blocks below
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 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.
If any of you [believer] lack wisdom, ask God who will give it to you generously without condemnation. Ask Him with full confidence, not doubting as one that is tossed back and forth by the wind.
James, probably the brother of Jesus, is writing a very practical letter to “the twelve tribes in the Dispersion” (vs 1) — an expression based on the rest of his letter that is a figurative representation of all saints at that time that had been dispersed abroad.
Applying James 1:5-6 to this question...
A Christian need only ask God for wisdom with full confidence in His granting it.
James is speaking about a very practical, “daily living” kind of wisdom, that which would help them through “various trials” (vs 2) that their faith would be “lacking in nothing” (vs 4).
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
Who is it that thinks they are wise with understanding? True wisdom is shown through good conduct and righteous deeds performed in the gentleness of wisdom.
James’ practical words to Christians on how to live faithfully. In chapter three, he turns to address those among the brotherhood that might teach others (vs 1) and from here begins to talk about the tongue and its power, particularly for evil. He says that “It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (vs 8).
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not boast or be false to the truth. This wisdom isn’t from God but from demons and is carnal, since those motives will only produce confusion and further unrighteousness.
James’ practical words to Christians on how to live faithfully. In chapter three, he turns to address those among the brotherhood that might teach others (vs 1) and from here begins to talk about the tongue and its power, particularly for evil. He says that “It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (vs 8).
Applying James 3:14-16 to this question...
An implication is that some may think they are wise when they are not. James begins to clarify the wisdom he’s talking about – that good conduct and deeds with meekness demonstrate it, and he continues…34
Importantly, James has begun his topic of wisdom after stating that, “not many of you should become teachers” (vs 1) and addressing the ease by which we can “stumble” with our tongue (vss 2-12).
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James’ practical words to Christians on how to live faithfully. In chapter three, he turns to address those among the brotherhood that might teach others (vs 1) and from here begins to talk about the tongue and its power, particularly for evil. He says that “It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (vs 8).
Applying James 3:17-18 to this question...
Godly wisdom, the opposite of “unspiritual wisdom”3, is first wholesome or unstained (e.g. “pure” or complete). From there James lists attributes illustrating its agreeableness, ability to be defended logically (e.g. “open to reason”), its results (e.g. “good fruits” and “harvest of righteousness”), and its equal access (e.g. “impartial and sincere”).
The context2 really forces this wisdom to be understood as something that is shared with others – specifically, God’s word or teaching about God.
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
God gives wisdom and from Him come knowledge and understanding. This sound wisdom is reserved for those that practice righteousness and He is a shield for those with integrity.
A collection of wise sayings primarily collected from Solomon, the wisest to live.
Applying Proverbs 2:6-7 to this question...
God is the source of true wisdom, or “sound wisdom.”
Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.
Among the mature, we (apostles) impart a wisdom that is not of this world that is passing away. Instead, we share the once hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth dealing with several serious issues throughout the letter, but here dealing with divisions among them and reminding them of the uniting nature of the Gospel. In this chapter, and really including the first four chapters of this letter, he emphasizes the need for them to rely upon the word of God that he had shared with them as the foundation to solve these issues.
Applying 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 to this question...
Paul, as a divinely appointed messenger of God, describes the gospel that was preached to the Corinthians as wisdom that is not the wisdom of this world.3
Paul’s argument, carried through chapter four, makes the same point as James regarding Godly wisdom for teachers34 (himself in this case). Indeed, “disorder”3 existed at the Corinthian church due to the very “earthly” wisdom James describes3. Paul, on the other hand, taught the purity of God’s word “so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (2:5)
Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great? God answered Solomon, Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked long life, but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.
Grant me [Solomon] wisdom and knowledge to lead this people, as there is nobody fully equipped to lead your great nation. God replied that since this was his foremost concern rather than material or carnal things, He would grant it. Furthermore, He would also grant wealth, possessions, and honor more than any before or after him.
King David has just passed, and his son Solomon has been installed as the third king of the United Kingdom of Israel. Solomon’s prayer and God’s answer is also recorded in 1 Kings 3:8-14
Applying 2 Chronicles 1:10-12 to this question...
Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge in order to govern the people and God grants his request.
I said in my heart, I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
Since I have acquired more wisdom than any in Jerusalem before me, I applied myself to wisdom’s full pursuits as compared to folly. As a result, I have learned that great wisdom brings vexation and much knowledge is sorrowful. This pursuit, too, is striving after wind.
After examining the work done under the sun (vss 12-15), the Preacher turns to wisdom, madness and folly (vss 16-18).
Applying Ecclesiastes 1:16-18 to this question...
Solomon found wisdom and knowledge to be a great burden throughout his earthly pursuits as the wisest man ever.7
This entire book famously records Solomon’s struggle and all that he did and discovered. In the end, his counsel is to only pay heed to the wisdom of the “one Shepherd” (12:11) and “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (12:13)
Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
Whoever trusts his own mind [heart] is a fool, but he that walks in wisdom will be saved.
A collection of wise sayings primarily collected from Solomon, the wisest to live. A recurring theme is the contrast of the “wise man” vs the “foolish man”.
Applying Proverbs 28:26 to this question...
Trusting in one’s own self (human) is foolish, while letting [Godly] wisdom lead you is salvation.
The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
A fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth, while a perceptive person keeps wisdom in view.
This saying belongs to a collection of short wisdom sayings. It contrasts the discerning person with the fool; the surrounding sayings address justice, grief caused by a foolish son, and restraint in speech (vss 23-28).
Applying Proverbs 17:24 to this question...
A person must at least acknowledge the forces beyond this world in order to seek/find knowledge.
Understand, O dullest of the people! Fools, when will you be wise? He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see? He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke? He who teaches man knowledge— the Lord—knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath.
The stupid should understand and the fools get wisdom! God created the ear and can of course hear Himself. He formed the eye and can see! He chastises and corrects nations. He is the source of knowledge for man, knowing his thoughts and that his thoughts are a breath.
A psalm about the character of God and His dominion and authority.
Applying Psalms 94:8-11 to this question...
God knows all, created all, and is the source of all [true] wisdom, but the “fool” must be at least wise enough to realize this fact.
The voice of the Lord cries to the city— and it is sound wisdom to fear your name: Hear of the rod and of him who appointed it!
God’s declares to the city (and those of sound wisdom will obey): Heed the judgment and He who brought it!
The prophet Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah who spoke God’s words to Judah during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz (exceedingly wicked), and Hezekiah (one of the best). God’s entire message through Micah, directed originally to Judah but applying to all mankind, is that God will come in judgment and many will be destroyed. But, there will be some that wait on Him – both Jew and Gentile (e.g. “nations”) – that will be saved.
Applying Micah 6:9 to this question...
Sound wisdom is fearing (aka obeying) God.
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
For in him (Christ) all of God’s fullness was pleased to dwell. Through Him, all things in heaven and earth are reconciled to God in peace by His blood on the cross.
Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae where he confronts false teaching in the form of “human philosophies and traditions”. Earlier in this chapter, he references “the word of the truth, the gospel” which came to them and “indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing” (vs 6).
Applying Colossians 1:19-20 to this question...
Paul distinguishes that it is “spiritual wisdom and understanding” by which they know how to conduct themselves as Christians “worthy of the Lord”.
Further down, Paul explicitly states, “I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.”
related to 'How does one receive wisdom from God (James 1:5)?'
lend your own study to the discussion
PUBLIC COMMENT POLICY: While your email is required, it will not be posted publically.
All comments are vetted for potential spam before being published, but will not be restricted otherwise.
