But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
“The word wisdom is one of the important terms in this letter…it is basically a practical, moral, and spiritual insight given by God. It is the ability to discern right from wrong and good from evil. It is the power that enables a person to do and say the right thing at the right time…
According to James wisdom is a gift from God, something God gives, and therefore a person must ask for it and it will be given to him.
The adverb rendered generously is found only here in the New Testament. It means literally “simply” or “single-heartedly,” that is, “without hesitation,” “without condition,” or “without reservation.”
…Considering the fact that this adverb is used in connection with “giving,” most modern translations favor the rendering generously. The focus here appears to be on the extent of giving, but it may be noted that generosity in some languages also refers to the manner of giving. In certain languages it will be rendered in an idiomatic way; for example, “give with a wide heart.”
Without reproaching can be taken in the sense of “without making them feel guilty” or “without scolding;” or it can be understood in the sense of “ungrudgingly.” The former goes better with “without condition” or “without question,” while the latter pairs better with “generously.” The rendering “graciously,” expressed positively, is more general than other translations. “Graciously” may also be rendered as “in a kind way,” or “in a way that shows his love and care.”
An alternative translation model for this verse may be:
If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God and he will give it to you. God is generous and will give wisdom to all who ask him, in a way that shows his love and care.”
What about your giving?
I. Loh & H. Hatton, A Handbook on the Letter from James. UBS Handbook Series (New York: United Bible Societies, 1997).