James 1:5-8

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

⁷ For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

The word translated “lacks” in verse 5 is the same word used in verse 4; “lacking nothing.” James was referring (v.5) to the wisdom needed to endure trials, to understand what God was accomplishing through them, and to pass the testing of faith.

This type of wisdom was at the disposal of the kingdom saints. but they had to ask God in faith, not wavering. Without faith it is impossible to please God. … The same will also be true of the future Tribulation saints whom James is addressing providentially. … The epistle of James runs parallel to the earthly ministry of Christ recorded in the four Gospels. The Lord promised the little flock: “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive (Matthew 21:21-22).” … Around the time James was penning these words, the twelve apostles of the kingdom were suffering persecution at the hands of the religious leaders in Jerusalem. In response to Peter’s prayer for boldness, the place where they were assembled literally shook beneath their feat (Acts 4:29-31). Because they were under the control of the Holy Spirit, whatever they requested in faith, not doubting, they received. … In all probability, this [wisdom] was accomplished through a special measure of wisdom that would be granted by God for a specific trial or by simply opening the eyes of their understanding as to what was already revealed in the Prophetic Scriptures. — Sadler, pages 33-34.

liberally (v.5) = generously, sincerely, unreserved, free from ulterior motives or partiality.

reproach (v.5) = fault-finding, insult

Both [liberally and without reproach] contrast to man’s style of bestowing. God neither displays reluctance to release His gifts, nor humiliates the needed petitioners. — KJC, page 1717.

doubting (v.6) = being at variance with oneself, hesitating. Literally “two-souled.”

double-minded (v.8) = vacillating, wavering, uncertain

unstable (v.8) = restless, inconstant — a doubter who cannot make up his mind about what he believes.

 This wisdom enables us to discern His will and to follow the right guidance. It is obtained by an utter dependence on God, and the expression of that dependence is prayer. … All this  necessitates childlike faith, which means counting on His faithfulness and on an answer from Him. If we doubt His faithfulness or question His answer we cannot receive anything from Him. — Gaebelein, page 1127.