Applying Wisdom in Life
James 1:5-8

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.”

I. We lack wisdom (v.5)
A. “If” is a conditional clause in the Greek in the 1st class condition, which assumes the truth of the statement. The verse could also be translated, “Since you lack wisdom.”

B. God is the source of wisdom (Job 28:12-23; Prov. 3:5-6)
- “God, and God alone, is the source of wisdom. It was this truth that caused Paul to pray to God for believers to be granted wisdom, knowledge, and enlightenment (Eph. 1:17–18), as well as discernment (Phil. 1:9; cf. Col. 1:9–10). That is also James’s point.”

II. We can gain in wisdom (v.6-8)
A. Trust that he will give it (v.6b-8), don’t be double-minded (dipsuchos) lit. “Two-minded.”

B. Look for wisdom to come in 4 avenues: (We seek wisdom through these means and God grants wisdom through these means.)
a. Scripture (2 Sam. 7:28; Ps. 119:160; Prov. 2:6-8; Jn. 17:17)
b. Wise counselors (Prov. 11:14, 12:15, 15:22, 24:6)
c. Personal Research (Luke 14:28-32)
d. Personal Experience (Prov. 24:30-34; cf., Rom. 1:8-13, 15:20-23)
1. Paul’s Example in His Desire to God to Rome. Paul took certain steps which we should mirror:
~ Plan: Paul made goals (going to Rome) according to his specific ministry as an Apostle.
~ Priorities: Paul developed goals to meet his objectives (What steps should be done in order)
~ Prayer: By prayer, Paul wisely submitted his plans to God’s sovereign will.
~ Perseverance: When providentially hindered, Paul assumed His delay was according to God’s plan, which freed Him from discouragement.
- “Paul became a model of one who engaged in long-range planning on the one hand, and snatched up present opportunities on the other. Interruptions became occasions for personal growth and ministry. It is just a balance that believers today should seek to maintain.” Wisdom is you preparing to engage in both.”

III. We can apply wisdom:
A. In those areas specifically addressed by the Bible – the revealed, prescriptive, commands and principles of Scripture, they are to be obeyed.
B. In those areas where the Bible gives no command or principle (non-moral areas), we are free and responsible to choose our own course of action.
C. Any decision we make within the moral, revealed, or prescriptive will of God is acceptable to God (e.g., clothes, auto, job, where to live, etc.). God will work through our responses, decisions, and actions to accomplish His purposes in our lives.


Charles H. Spurgeon, Online. Accessed Jan. 20, 2022. https://www.quotes.net/quote/44272
John F. MacArthur , James, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1998), 36.
Garry Friesen, Decision Making and the Will of God (Eugene: Multnomah, 1980), 239.