James 1:6
Verse
Context
Rejoicing in Trials
5Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.6But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.7That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let him ask in faith - Believing that God IS; that he has all good; and that he is ever ready to impart to his creatures whatever they need. Nothing wavering - Μηδεν διακρινομενος· Not judging otherwise; having no doubt concerning the truth of these grand and fundamental principles, never supposing that God will permit him to ask in vain, when he asks sincerely and fervently. Let him not hesitate, let him not be irresolute; no man can believe too much good of God. Is like a wave of the sea - The man who is not thoroughly persuaded that if he ask of God he shall receive, resembles a wave of the sea; he is in a state of continual agitation; driven by the wind, and tossed: now rising by hope, then sinking by despair.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
ask in faith--that is, the persuasion that God can and will give. James begins and ends with faith. In the middle of the Epistle he removes the hindrances to faith and shows its true character [BENGEL]. wavering--between belief and unbelief. Compare the case of the Israelites, who seemed to partly believe in God's power, but leaned more to unbelief by "limiting" it. On the other hand, compare Act 10:20; Rom 4:20 ("staggered not . . . through unbelief," literally, as here, "wavered not"); Ti1 2:8. like a wave of the sea-- Isa 57:20; Eph 4:14, where the same Greek word occurs for "tossed to and fro," as is here translated, "driven with the wind." driven with the wind--from without. tossed--from within, by its own instability [BENGEL]. At one time cast on the shore of faith and hope, at another rolled back into the abyss of unbelief; at one time raised to the height of worldly pride, at another tossed in the sands of despair and affliction [WIESINGER].
John Gill Bible Commentary
But let him ask in faith,.... Not only in the faith of the divine Being that God is; but in the faith of the promises he has made; and in the faith of his power and faithfulness to perform them; and in the faith of this, that whatever is asked, according to the will of God, and is for his glory, and his people's good, shall be given. Nothing wavering; about the thing asked for, whether it is right or no to ask for it; for that should be settled before it is asked for; nor about the power of God to do it; nor about his will, in things he has declared he will do; nor about his faithfulness to his promises; nor at all questioning but what is proper, suitable, and convenient, will be given in God's own time and way. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed; he is troubled, restless, unquiet, and impatient; and he is fickle, inconstant, unstable, and unsettled; and is easily carried away with every wind of doctrine, temptation, and lust.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:6 Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty: The Greek is often translated “Do not doubt, for a person who doubts,” but the sense here is of a person whose loyalty is divided between God and the world (see 1:8).
James 1:6
Rejoicing in Trials
5Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.6But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.7That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Fresh Faith Book Reading Clip
By Jim Cymbala8.2K02:03Book ReadingMRK 10:15JHN 10:102CO 10:4EPH 6:12HEB 11:6JAS 1:61PE 5:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the diabolical work of Satan, who has no sympathy and seeks to rip people off every week. However, Jesus came to offer abundant life and can revive various aspects of our lives, including marriages and spiritual callings. The preacher emphasizes the need for vibrant heart faith and childlike trust in Christ, which can change the way we live, talk, and feel. Faith is described as total dependence on God, which becomes supernatural in its working. The sermon encourages believers to see beyond their circumstances and trust that God is with them. It emphasizes that faith is essential for pleasing God and is the foundation for Christian living. The preacher calls for believers to engage in spiritual warfare, fighting for their stolen property through faith and prayer.
That Dreadful Day (Coming Economic Collapse) David Wilkerson
By David Wilkerson4.9K45:32HAB 3:17ROM 1:17COL 3:121TH 5:6HEB 11:6JAS 1:62PE 3:92PE 3:14This sermon from 2 Peter 3 discusses the impending day of the Lord, emphasizing the need for believers to be prepared and live in holiness and godliness. The message warns of coming catastrophes and the urgency to be diligent, peaceful, and blameless in anticipation of the Lord's return. It highlights the importance of faith, forgiveness, and being conformed to the image of Christ amidst the trials and tribulations of the world.
It Comes Down to Faith (1 of 4)
By Paul Washer4.4K1:14:47Trust in God's CharacterFaithPSA 37:5PRO 3:5ISA 26:3MAT 6:33ROM 4:32CO 5:7PHP 4:19HEB 11:1JAS 1:61PE 5:7Paul Washer emphasizes the profound journey of faith, illustrating how true faith evolves from seeking blessings and feelings to a deep relationship with God Himself. He contrasts immaturity in faith, which seeks God's gifts, with maturity that seeks the Giver, highlighting that faith is rooted in understanding God's character and His promises. Washer stresses that faith is not merely a leap into the unknown but a confident assurance based on God's revealed Word, urging believers to trust in God's goodness and wisdom in all aspects of life. He challenges listeners to examine their faith and obedience, asserting that true faith manifests in a life that reflects trust in God's character and His commands.
Our God Can Fix Anything - Part 1
By David Wilkerson4.2K30:08GEN 18:14PSA 100:4MAT 19:26MRK 9:23LUK 18:272CO 12:9PHP 4:6HEB 11:6JAS 1:6Pastor Wilkerson of Times Square Church welcomes worshippers from various nationalities and encourages them to draw closer to Jesus through worship and preaching. The sermon emphasizes the belief in God's ability to fix any situation, drawing from the story of Abraham and Sarah to illustrate the power of trusting in God's ability to do the impossible.
What Is Faith - Part 2
By Manley Beasley2.3K39:44FaithPSA 37:5PRO 3:5MAL 3:10MAT 6:33MRK 11:24JAS 1:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of belief in receiving from God. He shares a personal experience of preaching to a congregation of highly educated individuals and realizing the power of the Holy Spirit in making the Word of God come alive. The preacher then references Hebrews 11:13, highlighting the faith of those who died without receiving the promises but still believed and confessed them. He uses an illustration of confessing and trusting in Jesus' will to demonstrate the concept of faith as a leap into the light, not a leap into the dark. The sermon concludes with a focus on discovering God's will and trusting Jesus to solve problems and release His power in our lives.
The Great Cost of Unbelief - Part 5
By W.F. Kumuyi1.9K09:34NUM 14:11NUM 14:36PSA 78:21MAT 17:20MRK 9:23ROM 4:20HEB 3:19HEB 11:6JAS 1:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of believing in God's great promises and the consequences of unbelief, focusing on the covenant, holiness, fearlessness, and courage of those who trust in God's salvation. It warns against despising God's promises and the dangers of influencing others negatively with doubt and unbelief.
The Consequences of Not Trusting God - Part 3
By David Wilkerson1.8K15:01PSA 55:22PRO 3:5ROM 8:28HEB 11:6JAS 1:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of fully trusting God and walking in faith, highlighting the consequences of moving in the flesh, such as scheming, manipulating, and putting others at risk. It discusses how faith can be strengthened through failure and the need to surrender all burdens to the Lord, trusting in His protection and provision even in the midst of crises.
When Someone Doubts
By C.J. Mahaney1.7K1:01:41Doubt1CO 16:142TI 2:23JAS 1:61PE 3:151JN 4:1JUD 1:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the different forms of doubt that Christians may experience. He identifies seven families of doubt, including doubt from ingratitude, a faulty view of God, weak foundation, lack of commitment, lack of growth, unruly emotions, and hidden conflicts. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being aware of and addressing these doubts in order to resolve them. He also highlights the need to focus on the gospel and keeping oneself in the love of God, as well as the assurance provided in the doxology found in the book of Jude.
Calling on God - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel1.2K09:13MAT 17:20MRK 9:23LUK 17:6ROM 10:17ROM 12:22CO 9:8EPH 3:20HEB 11:1HEB 11:6JAS 1:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of not limiting God with our small expectations and faith. It challenges believers to expand their faith, trust in God's abundance, and not settle for small blessings or limited growth in spiritual life.
Calling on God - Part 6
By Joshua Daniel1.2K09:321SA 2:12KI 2:9PSA 24:3MAT 21:22EPH 3:161TI 2:8HEB 4:16HEB 11:6JAS 1:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of having unwavering faith in God, encouraging believers to ask boldly and without limits, trusting in God's unlimited power and provision. It challenges individuals to seek a faith that honors God and to approach Him with confidence, believing in His ability to lift them out of any situation, including debts. The focus is on strengthening the inner man, acknowledging that God sees beyond outward appearances and desires a clean heart and holy hands from His followers.
Calling on God - Part 5
By Joshua Daniel1.1K09:322KI 2:8MAT 21:22MRK 9:23PHP 4:6JAS 1:6This sermon emphasizes the power of faith and determination in overcoming obstacles, drawing inspiration from the story of Elijah parting the waters of the Jordan River. It encourages believers to trust in God's ability to perform miracles and to boldly ask for blessings without limits, reminding them to remove the word 'impossible' from their vocabulary and have unwavering faith in God's provision.
Make Your Life Count 2
By George Verwer1.0K51:47Counting The CostMAT 6:33ROM 10:172CO 12:9EPH 6:16HEB 4:2JAS 1:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding how God works through people, rather than relying solely on one individual's ideas. He emphasizes the need for a fellowship of people who love and support one another. The speaker also addresses the challenges and discouragements that can arise when doing God's work, particularly in evangelizing the Muslim world. He encourages listeners to lay down their lives for others and open their homes as a powerful evangelistic center. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the rest of faith and the promise of a radical, loving, and compassionate lifestyle.
Battling Unbelief at Bethlehem
By John Piper1.0K35:16MAT 6:33MRK 9:24JHN 3:16ROM 4:13HEB 11:6JAS 1:6In this sermon, the preacher lays a foundation for a series called "Battling Unbelief." The main conviction behind this series is that all sin, whether in attitude or behavior, stems from unbelief in the promises of God. The preacher lists various sins such as anxiety, envy, and pride, and explains how they all sprout from the taproot of unbelief. The sermon also references Romans 4:13-25, which emphasizes that the promise to Abraham and his descendants came through faith, not the law. The preacher aims to show how battling unbelief is essential in overcoming sin and living a life of faith.
Road to Reality - the Principle of Faith Part Two
By K.P. Yohannan93624:57Road To RealityMAT 6:33MAT 18:3MAT 21:21MRK 11:24ROM 4:20PHP 3:3JAS 1:6In this video, Brother KP Johannon discusses the importance of living by faith every day of our lives. He emphasizes the need for believers to have a strong conviction in their prayers and to expect God to answer. He shares examples of how God has lovingly and graciously responded to the faith of believers, such as the provision of washing machines. Brother KP also highlights the plight of widows and abandoned children in South Asia and encourages viewers to respond to their needs. He concludes by mentioning his book, "No Longer a Slum Dog," which shares stories of how suffering children in Asia are being helped in the name of Jesus.
When the Call to Pray Becomes More Than Just a Cliché
By Brian Long90650:26JER 33:3ROM 8:32HEB 4:16JAS 1:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incredible love and care that God has for His children. He reminds the audience that if God willingly sacrificed His Son for their sins, He will surely listen to their prayers and provide for their needs. The preacher uses the example of earthly fathers who readily embrace and help their children in times of trouble, highlighting how much more God, as their heavenly Father, will do for them. He encourages the audience to call out to God in times of desperation, citing Jeremiah 33:3 as a promise that God will answer and reveal great and mighty things. The sermon challenges the notion of prayer becoming a mere cliche and urges the audience to pray earnestly and passionately.
Truth and Error - Part 3 - Come to the Light (Compilation)
By Compilations89512:03CompilationMAT 6:33ROM 8:282TI 2:11HEB 10:23JAS 1:61JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in the freedom that comes through Jesus. He encourages the audience to not waver in their beliefs and to avoid being easily swayed by false teachings. The preacher also highlights the need for unity among believers, but emphasizes that this unity should be based on the truth of God's Word. He urges the audience to reject lies and embrace the truth, trusting that God will answer their prayers and defend them. The sermon emphasizes the power of God's Word and the need for confession and repentance to experience true freedom in Christ.
My Expectation Is From the Lord - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel88628:30PSA 27:14PSA 62:5PRO 3:5MAT 21:22MRK 11:242CO 5:7EPH 3:20HEB 11:6JAS 1:6This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of having high expectations and faith in God, contrasting it with the low expectations and lack of faith prevalent in society. He challenges listeners to prioritize their relationship with God above all else, highlighting the need for genuine faith and dedication in seeking God's will. The message calls for a transformation in mindset, urging individuals to anchor their faith unshakably in Jesus and seek the real, transformative power of God in their lives.
Christ's Last Words on the Cross
By Jamie Gordon8521:08:10MAT 6:28JAS 1:6JAS 1:171PE 2:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the last words of Jesus on the cross. He emphasizes that while we cannot judge men's hearts, we can observe their actions and see if they are crucifying their passions. The sermon focuses on the care of the cross, highlighting how Jesus exhibited tremendous care even in his last moments on the cross. Jesus honored his word by fulfilling the law and bearing the sins and judgment of humanity. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the completion of God's plan through Jesus' sacrifice and how believers can now rest and trust in God's hands.
Testimony - Part 1
By Erlo Stegen8271:09:09MAT 6:33MRK 9:23MRK 11:24JHN 15:7ROM 10:17HEB 11:6JAS 1:6In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the presence of God and the significance of every individual's life. They express gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and pray for blessings upon the listeners. The speaker then discusses the purpose and origins of their work, emphasizing the importance of rest and sharing personal experiences. They recount a story of a woman with a possessed daughter who exhibits supernatural strength and destructive behavior. Despite the mother's frustration, she resists harming her daughter and seeks help. The speaker concludes by highlighting the impact of spiritual practices on the community and the need for divine intervention.
My Expectation Is From the Lord - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel75828:30EXO 14:13PSA 46:1PSA 62:5PSA 62:8PRO 3:5MAT 8:2MRK 11:24HEB 11:1JAS 1:6REV 3:14This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of placing our expectation and trust solely in God, highlighting the impact of faith and unwavering belief in God's power to bring about miraculous transformations. Daniel shares personal experiences and reflections on how a life dedicated to serving God can lead to profound blessings and spiritual fulfillment, contrasting worldly pursuits with eternal values. The message encourages listeners to seek refuge in God, maintain faith in challenging times, and approach Him with a reasonable and unshakeable expectation.
The Slowness of God's Ways
By Don Currin68653:55ECC 3:11MIC 7:7MAT 21:22LUK 2:251CO 4:2PHP 4:11JAS 1:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of not wasting life, urging young people to stay in the Word of God, walk in the Spirit, trust God, and guard their hearts. It highlights the revelation of dependence on God in weakness and the need for the fullness of the Holy Spirit through faith. The speaker discusses the slowness of God's ways, the need to wait on God, and the dangers of impatience and seeking worldly strategies over divine timing.
Schaffhausen - Session 1 (Eng-German)
By George Verwer10358:27GermanJAS 1:2JAS 1:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of wisdom in mobilizing for global missions. He emphasizes that reaching the Muslim world requires wisdom and that people may not immediately be willing to travel to such places, but they may be open to attending events like a 75th birthday party. The speaker also shares his personal struggles and the importance of his relationship with Jesus and his wife in his mission work. He highlights the power of the message of radical grace and how it can bring hope and freedom to those who feel like failures.
Restlessness of Soul -- Directing Our Final Intention Toward God
By Thomas a Kempis3PSA 86:11PRO 4:25MAT 6:22COL 3:2JAS 1:6Thomas a Kempis preaches about the importance of maintaining a steadfast spirit and unwavering intention towards God, despite the changing feelings and circumstances in life. He emphasizes the need to focus on the desired end goal and to stand undivided and unshaken in faith, even amidst various storms and distractions. A pure and single-hearted intention towards God is highlighted as essential, as many are often drawn to self-seeking or external attractions rather than seeking God for His sake alone.
A Fool to His Schoolmaster
By Thomas Brooks1Trust in GodFaithPRO 3:5ROM 1:172CO 5:7GAL 2:20HEB 11:1JAS 1:6Thomas Brooks emphasizes the folly of relying on carnal reasoning over faith, warning that those who let their reason dictate their faith will face continual sorrow. He asserts that true freedom, holiness, and happiness come from living a life of faith, which involves unwavering trust in God even in difficult times. Brooks encourages believers to cling to God and maintain obedience, regardless of their circumstances, as faith leads to the highest expressions of life.
Faith Makes Men Strong
By C.H. Spurgeon0Strength in BeliefFaithPSA 27:14PRO 3:5MAT 17:20ROM 10:171CO 1:252CO 5:7EPH 6:10PHP 4:13HEB 11:1JAS 1:6C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that true strength comes from faith in the heart rather than intellectual skepticism. He critiques those who demand proof before believing, labeling them as headstrong and ultimately weak, as their obstinacy reveals a lack of true wisdom. Spurgeon argues that doubters often project their own faults onto believers, mistaking their own skepticism for strength. He asserts that the real wisdom lies in faith, which empowers individuals in times of trouble, contrasting the folly of modern doubt with the steadfastness of belief.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let him ask in faith - Believing that God IS; that he has all good; and that he is ever ready to impart to his creatures whatever they need. Nothing wavering - Μηδεν διακρινομενος· Not judging otherwise; having no doubt concerning the truth of these grand and fundamental principles, never supposing that God will permit him to ask in vain, when he asks sincerely and fervently. Let him not hesitate, let him not be irresolute; no man can believe too much good of God. Is like a wave of the sea - The man who is not thoroughly persuaded that if he ask of God he shall receive, resembles a wave of the sea; he is in a state of continual agitation; driven by the wind, and tossed: now rising by hope, then sinking by despair.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
ask in faith--that is, the persuasion that God can and will give. James begins and ends with faith. In the middle of the Epistle he removes the hindrances to faith and shows its true character [BENGEL]. wavering--between belief and unbelief. Compare the case of the Israelites, who seemed to partly believe in God's power, but leaned more to unbelief by "limiting" it. On the other hand, compare Act 10:20; Rom 4:20 ("staggered not . . . through unbelief," literally, as here, "wavered not"); Ti1 2:8. like a wave of the sea-- Isa 57:20; Eph 4:14, where the same Greek word occurs for "tossed to and fro," as is here translated, "driven with the wind." driven with the wind--from without. tossed--from within, by its own instability [BENGEL]. At one time cast on the shore of faith and hope, at another rolled back into the abyss of unbelief; at one time raised to the height of worldly pride, at another tossed in the sands of despair and affliction [WIESINGER].
John Gill Bible Commentary
But let him ask in faith,.... Not only in the faith of the divine Being that God is; but in the faith of the promises he has made; and in the faith of his power and faithfulness to perform them; and in the faith of this, that whatever is asked, according to the will of God, and is for his glory, and his people's good, shall be given. Nothing wavering; about the thing asked for, whether it is right or no to ask for it; for that should be settled before it is asked for; nor about the power of God to do it; nor about his will, in things he has declared he will do; nor about his faithfulness to his promises; nor at all questioning but what is proper, suitable, and convenient, will be given in God's own time and way. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed; he is troubled, restless, unquiet, and impatient; and he is fickle, inconstant, unstable, and unsettled; and is easily carried away with every wind of doctrine, temptation, and lust.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:6 Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty: The Greek is often translated “Do not doubt, for a person who doubts,” but the sense here is of a person whose loyalty is divided between God and the world (see 1:8).