Text: James 1:1-8

Introduction: We will be making decisions in 2021. Needing “WISDOM”? More than likely, we will have a few important decisions to make. Therefore, making the right decision will require “WISDOM” from the Lord. 

“The wise old owl sat in the tree, the more he saw the less he spoke, the less he spoke, the more he heard.” Let’s imitate that old bird.

The word “wisdom” is the Greek word σοφίας, which is pronounced sophía. According to Thayer, a Greek scholar, it means supreme intelligence, such as belonging to God, Jesus Christ. The half brother of Jesus, named James who evidently became a believer after the resurrection (1Cor 15:7), writes about “WISDOM” in his epistle. After discussing the purposes of trials in the believer’s life (James 1:2-4), he describes how we can get this heavenly knowledge, otherwise known as “WISDOM.”

1. Do you need “WISDOM,” especially in the coming year 2021? (James 1:5)

“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.”

• The word “liberally” is haplōs – ἁπλῶς, which means generously, sincerely, openly

Personal Application: Jesus desires to be our “WISDOM” (1Cor 1:30, 31).

Paul writes, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.”

“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,” (James 1:5).

• The word “upbraideth” is oneidizontos -ὀνειδίζοντος, which means find fault, rebuke, chide, revile

Personal Application: Once we are born into the family of God through the New birth, we become children of God. Therefore, as sons and daughters of the Most High, we are invited to share His insight for living and decision-making.

2. How can we get “WISDOM” for the coming year 2021? (James 1:6)

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”

• The word “Ask” is aiteitō, αἰτείτω, which means beg, call for, crave, desire
• The word “wavering” is diakrinomenos, διακρινόμενος, which means doubt, hesitate, stagger, withdraw

Personal Application: When we as believers in the living God ask for WISDOM, we must exercise “faith and trust” in the source of our answers, which is Jesus Christ.

Are you going to ask? Trust?

3. What will keep us from receiving “WISDOM” in 2021? (James 1:7, 8)

“For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

• The word “double minded” is dipsychos, δίψυχος, which means divided in interest, uncertain, two spirited, vacillating in opinion and purpose
• The word “unstable” is akatastatos, ἀκατάστατος, which means restless, inconstant

Personal Application: James is saying if we ask our Lord for “WISDOM” but have divided minds and hearts over the issues, and are unstable in both receiving and following through on the counsel, then we will not be given it.