How to Gain Wisdom: James 1:5-11
Welcome to Timeless Truth with Pastor Jim Thomas. In this episode, we continue our study with James 1:5-11.
James reminds us that real wisdom won’t be found in human reasoning, self-discovery, or self-help strategies. God is the source of real wisdom, and God’s wisdom has been ultimately revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who, as the apostle Paul declares, “became to us wisdom from God.”
“No one ever asked God for wisdom sincerely and found that he was refused.”
C. H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening
The cross is the ultimate proof of God’s generosity:
“If He has given us His own Son, how will He not also give us wisdom when we ask?”
Romans 8:32
“Faith is not primarily a function of how you feel. Faith is living out and believing what truth is, despite what you feel.”
Tim Keller, The Reason for God
“True wisdom enables the poor to see their eternal riches in Christ and humbles the rich with the reality of their spiritual dependence.”
John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: James
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
Isaiah 40:8
“The sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.”
James 1:11
“Not until we have become humble and teachable, standing in awe of God’s holiness and sovereignty…acknowledging our own littleness, distrusting our own thoughts, and willing to have our minds turned upside down, can divine wisdom become ours.”
J. I. Packer
“Wisdom is needed in several respects:
1. To discern what God’s purpose is in this;
2. To know the nature of the affliction, whether it is to build up or destroy;
3. To know what to do in every situation;
4. To check the desires of our own passions.”
Thomas Manton
The Bible’s descriptions of God’s character help us think correctly about Him. Its promises encourage us to turn to Him, trust Him, and rest in Him by faith.
“If you’re looking to grow in logic, rhetoric, and critical thinking, don’t spend much time online. Put down your phone, exit your echo chamber, and look to better sources for wisdom—like the Bible, the church, nature, books, and beauty. More time in these nourishing spaces will help you become a clearer, more logical, and versatile thinker. Even more importantly, it will help you become wise.”
Brett McCracken
So, where do you need wisdom today? Are you facing a difficult decision, a season of suffering, or the temptation to measure your worth by worldly standards? The invitation is clear: Ask God for wisdom, trust His character, and anchor your life in His eternal truth. Look to Jesus, He is the wisdom of God made flesh, and you will find in Him the wisdom that lasts forever.
