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. James 1:5
“Wisdom is an important biblical world. It means more than intellectual knowledge. Wisdom is less “knowing that” than “knowing how”…God gives wisdom “generously” [the Greek world, haplos, translated “generously,” is found only here in the NT] The word means he gives “straightforwardly,” that is, with no strings attached…God gives without hesitation and without regard to our worthiness. God gives “to all.” Unlike humans, God has no favorites. He also gives “without finding fault.” God is no reluctant, critical giver, but a generous Father. He is eager to give wisdom to those who ask…Since God is a generous Father, Christians must be willing to receive as children.”
Gary Holloway in James & Jude: College Press NIV Commentary (Joplin: College Press, 1996) 34-35.
Today my brother, David, and I are in Portland, Oregon, at Multnomah University, and we are asking God for wisdom to serve our friends, Craig Williford and Steve Cummings, with “know how” from our experience. It’s so cool that we get to do this together!
We are also celebrating Patricia “Patsy” Hoag’s birthday today. She (Mom) taught us where to find wisdom in abundance (God) and showed us how to share it with others (generously) to encourage them. When people express gratitude to her, she always humbly replies: “The good stuff you see in me is Jesus!”
Happy birthday, Mom! We love you.