If 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.
Wisdom here means understanding that affliction works for our salvation, not against it. Our minds naturally rebel at this; we must ask God to illuminate us by His Spirit, for we cannot bear trials with patience unless He sustains us with this conviction.
AI summary
Troubles may befal the best Christians. Satan uses afflictions to draw men to sin or deter them from duty, but in God's hand they trial and improve our graces; the gold enters the furnace to be purified. We need armor on every side because temptations lie on all sides.
AI summary
Commenting on James 1:2-12
The fact that James supposes we lack wisdom proves perfection is not attained in this life. We want wisdom to see affliction as God's hand, not chance or Satan's work, to observe His sovereignty in it, and to learn its lessons, this requires much wisdom to accomplish.
AI summary