Deficient Fault Finding Freely Generously Gives Giveth Giving Lack Lacketh Lacks Liberally Open Reproach Reproaches Reproaching Request Unkind Upbraideth Upbraiding Wisdom
1:5 {5} If any of you lack {e} wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
(5) An answer to a private objection; It is easily said, but not so easily done. He answers that we need, in this case, a different type of wisdom than the wisdom of man, to determine those things that are best for us, since they are disagreeable to the flesh: but we shall easily obtain this gift of wisdom, if we ask correctly, that is, with a sure confidence in God, who is entirely bountiful and liberal.
(e) By wisdom he means the knowledge of that doctrine previously mentioned, that is, why we are afflicted by God, and the fruit we reap from affliction.
1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. This may be one of the wants. If so, go to God for it.
That giveth to all [men] liberally. His people will hear, and in answer to their requests he giveth liberally,
and upbraideth not. Never upbraideth on account of their requests as men so often do.
1:5 If any want - The connexion between the first and following verse s, both here and in the fourth chapter , will be easily discerned by him who reads them, while he is suffering wrongfully. He will then readily perceive, why the apostle mentions all those various affections of the mind. Wisdom - To understand, whence and why temptations come, and how they are to be improved. Patience is in every pious man already. Let him exercise this, and ask for wisdom. The sum of wisdom, both in the temptation of poverty and of riches, is described in the ninth and tenth verse s. Who giveth to all - That ask aright. And upbraideth not - Either with their past wickedness, or present unworthiness.
1:1-11 Christianity teaches men to be joyful under troubles: such exercises are sent from God's love; and trials in the way of duty will brighten our graces now, and our crown at last. Let us take care, in times of trial, that patience, and not passion, is set to work in us: whatever is said or done, let patience have the saying and doing of it. When the work of patience is complete, it will furnish all that is necessary for our Christian race and warfare. We should not pray so much for the removal of affliction, as for wisdom to make a right use of it. And who does not want wisdom to guide him under trials, both in regulating his own spirit, and in managing his affairs? Here is something in answer to every discouraging turn of the mind, when we go to God under a sense of our own weakness and folly. If, after all, any should say, This may be the case with some, but I fear I shall not succeed, the promise is, To any that asketh, it shall be given. A mind that has single and prevailing regard to its spiritual and eternal interest, and that keeps steady in its purposes for God, will grow wise by afflictions, will continue fervent in devotion, and rise above trials and oppositions. When our faith and spirits rise and fall with second causes, there will be unsteadiness in our words and actions. This may not always expose men to contempt in the world, but such ways cannot please God. No condition of life is such as to hinder rejoicing in God. Those of low degree may rejoice, if they are exalted to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of God; and the rich may rejoice in humbling providences, that lead to a humble and lowly disposition of mind. Worldly wealth is a withering thing. Then, let him that is rich rejoice in the grace of God, which makes and keeps him humble; and in the trials and exercises which teach him to seek happiness in and from God, not from perishing enjoyments.
Deficient Fault Finding Freely Generously Gives Hand Lacketh Lacks Open Reproach Reproaches Reproaching Request Unkind Upbraiding Wisdom
Deficient Fault Finding Freely Generously Gives Hand Lacketh Lacks Open Reproach Reproaches Reproaching Request Unkind Upbraiding Wisdom
