James 1:5
What does James 1:5 mean?
A plain-English look at James 1:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What James 1:5 means
James acknowledges that believers facing trials often lack wisdom—practical, God-centered insight for right living. The remedy is simple and encouraging: ask God. He is generous, giving to all liberally and without reproach; he does not scold for our neediness. This promise rests on God’s gracious character, not on human merit. Wisdom here is not mere information, but skill in applying God’s truth to complex, painful situations. The assurance “it shall be given him” invites confident prayer. God delights to guide his children through their difficulties, equipping them to respond faithfully. The door to wisdom is open, and the Giver is kind.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611If 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But if any man among you is without wisdom, let him make his request to God, who gives freely to all without an unkind word, and it will be given to him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and if any of you do lack wisdom, let him ask from God, who is giving to all liberally, and not reproaching, and it shall be given to him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But if any of you want wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men abundantly and upbraideth not. And it shall be given him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But if any one of you lack wisdom, let him ask ofGod, who gives to all freely and reproaches not, and it shall be given to him:
Context
Coming after the call to let endurance have its full work, this verse offers the means to persevere wisely. James transitions from what trials produce to how believers should seek God’s help within them. Verses 6–8 immediately add a heart condition to requesting wisdom: ask in faith, without wavering. This protects against a superficial approach to prayer that expects answers while withholding trust. The flow balances God’s generous promise with a sober warning about doublemindedness that blocks reception.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy.
- John 15:7
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
- Exodus 36:1
And Bezalel and Oholiab shall work, and every wise-hearted man, in whom Jehovah hath put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all the work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that Jehovah hath commanded.
- James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.
- Job 28:12
But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?
- James 5:16
Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore James 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on James 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Anger
The Bible addresses anger directly, offering wisdom on its destructive potential and how believers can manage it righteously.
Topic
Bible Verses About Conflict Resolution
What does the Bible teach us about resolving conflicts and finding peace with others according to God's Word?
Topic
Bible Verses About Discipleship
Discipleship is an intentional journey of following Jesus, learning from Him, and growing in His likeness.
What the Bible says about…
Answer
What does the Bible say about anger?
Be slow to anger, quick to listen, and quick to forgive.
Answer
What does the Bible say about patience?
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming.
Answer
What does the Bible say about suffering?
Our light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory.
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Making a Big Decision
Six verses to pray before the meeting, the move, or the answer you have to give.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Struggling With Addiction
When the cycle won't break — verses for the long road home.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Praying for a Sick Loved One
When someone you love is suffering — verses to pray over their healing.