2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 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. 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. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:2-8 KJV)
Testing of Your Faith
We now consider the content of this epistle. In this section, several key points are presented.
The suffering condition of Christians in this world is clearly implied and expressed. Troubles and hardships may befall even the best Christians—those who have the most reason to hope. Those entitled to great joy may still endure painful afflictions. Since good people are subject to being scattered and tried, they shouldn’t be surprised by such troubles.
These outward difficulties are also temptations. The devil seeks to use suffering to lead people into sin or discourage them from doing their duty. But when our afflictions are in God’s hands, they are meant to test and strengthen our faith, like gold refined in a furnace.
These temptations may come in many forms (James 1:2). We must be prepared on all sides, as trials can arise from many directions. They are described as something a good person “falls into,” not creates or brings upon himself. That makes them easier to bear.
We are also taught the graces and duties appropriate to affliction. If we embraced and grew in them, afflictions would benefit us.
One such grace is joy: “Count it all joy” (James 1:2). We shouldn’t give in to sadness or despair that would weaken us under trial. Instead, we should keep our spirits lifted, so we can see clearly and respond wisely. While philosophy may teach people to remain calm in trouble, Christianity teaches them to rejoice—because trials come from God’s love, not His anger. In suffering, we follow the example of Christ and demonstrate our adoption as children of God. By enduring hardship for righteousness, we help build Christ’s kingdom and strengthen the church. Trials refine our character now and enhance our reward later. Even in Job’s time it was said, “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects” (Job 5:17). There is greater reason for joy when we consider the other graces trials develop.
Faith is assumed and explicitly required: “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience” (James 1:3), and, “Let him ask in faith” (James 1:6). True faith involves believing God’s power, promises, and being faithful to Christ, especially in hardship.
Patience is produced by faith. “The trial of your faith produces patience” (James 1:3). The more faith is tested, the stronger it becomes. “Tribulation produces patience” (Romans 5:3).
Patience must be active and allowed to work. It’s not a numbness to suffering, but triumph over it. In hardship, let patience—not emotion—guide your words and actions. Let it do its full work. Don’t limit it. If trials come one after another, patience must continue until perfected. When we bear everything God appoints, for as long as He appoints, and rejoice in it, patience is doing its perfect work.
When patience is complete, the Christian is mature and lacks nothing. Patience equips us with what we need for our spiritual journey and helps us persevere to the end (James 1:4; Hebrews 10:36).
Prayer is also essential in suffering. The apostle highlights what we should especially ask for—wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). We should pray not so much for the removal of affliction as for wisdom to use it well. Everyone needs wisdom in how to think, manage their emotions, and handle their affairs in trials. Wisdom in suffering is a gift from God, and we must seek it from Him.
This is to be obtained by asking: not from people, but from God, who made us and gave us understanding. We must confess our need for wisdom and ask Him daily.
We have every reason to do so: God gives generously to all and doesn’t reproach us for asking. “It shall be given him” (James 1:5). God has the wisdom we need, and He’s willing to give it to those who ask sincerely. No one is excluded. If you need much wisdom, He gives liberally. If you fear coming too often or being shamed for your ignorance, know this—He does not reproach. Come as often as you like.
If anyone fears they won’t succeed in asking as others do, let them remember the specific promise: “It shall be given him.” If wisdom can be had for the asking, and people don’t ask, they perish in their foolishness.
However, we must ask with faith and a steady mind: “Let him ask in faith, nothing doubting” (James 1:6). The promise is sure, provided we believe God is able and willing to give. Christ asked those seeking healing, “Do you believe I am able to do this?” We must not waver or doubt God’s promise because of our own shortcomings.
A sincere, steady mind is required in affliction. “He who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6). Being lifted by faith one moment, then dropped by fear the next, is like the sea wave tossed by every gust. A soul focused on eternal things and steady in purpose will grow wise through trials and remain devoted.
A wavering spirit undermines prayer: “Let not that man think that he shall receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:7). Those who don’t value God’s wisdom will not receive it. If we don’t prize heavenly wisdom more than earthly treasures, our requests will not be honored.
Such a mindset also affects our daily lives: “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). If our faith rises and falls with circumstances, our lives will be inconsistent. While this may bring the world’s contempt, more importantly, it doesn’t please God or benefit us. Trusting one God should make us stable and consistent.