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. James 1:5

• Wisdom is "application of knowledge." It is what to do.
• Liberally is "answering to the need without a second thought; simply, without a thought behind, freely."
• Upbraideth is "to reproach or chide." It is to put down.

(Quoted definitions from Bullinger's Critical Lexicon and Concordance)

Whenever we need answers in life's day to day decisions; when we need to know what to do we are to ask God. His Word declares that when we ask He gives us the answer freely: without a second thought. When God says give he means give. Wisdom in response to our asking is a gift. We do not earn it. It is given freely from God without even a second thought.

The Word also declares that in giving us the wisdom to know what to do in response to our asking God does not upbraid. He never puts us down. God does not chide us for having to ask Him what to do. He never says "Why didn't you know that!" or "How could you be so stupid." He never puts us down for asking. He just gives wisdom freely.

Our Part:

But let him ask in faith [believing], nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:6-8

To believe is to have confidence and trust in information received to the end we act upon it. When we ask God what to do His word says he gives the answer without a second thought. When we ask we must act upon the information we receive without wavering. We can not respond with a yes/no mind set. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. There is no question that God will respond to our asking when we ask in believing - ready to act with confidence on the information we receive.

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What Does The Word Say?

For what saith the scripture?...Romans 4:3

God's written Word is His Will. It is just as much God talking to you as it would be for Him to speak to you audibly. If God tells us something in His written Word then we have the answer from God. He does not need to tell us again. So the first thing we must do in seeking wisdom from God is ask the question: What does the Word say?

For example: God's word says that we should work. Therefore, the question of whether we can work or find a job has already been answered in the written Word of God.

The specific question of where to work would be an example of something not in God's Word. Do I work at Burger King or Wendy's? Why not ask God? Many times for these decisions we ask everybody else. Maybe God knows something we do not. Maybe God knows the guy you will be working next to at a particular job will believe the Word. We need to make going to God first a habit in our lives and we need to have a working knowledge of His written Word.

Hebrews 5:13-14 For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

A new believer may not have a great deal of knowledge of God's Word and may need to go to someone who has spent more time in working and studying the Word. What is important is that we ask the question: What does the Word say? Whether the Word comes from another believer or from direct study of God's Word is not important. What is important is that it is God's Word that we receive.

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Do Not Let Sin Keep You From Receiving From God

Many times we do not go to God because of sin. We do not believe we are good enough for God to talk to us. God does not give us wisdom because of our goodness. He gives wisdom because we need it! Remember, He gives freely - without even a second thought. We have this access to God because of the accomplishments of Jesus Christ.

In whom [Christ Jesus our Lord] we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Ephesians 3:12

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus...Romans 8:1

For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. I John 3:20

Remember, God is greater than our heart. If our heart is condemning us and we tell ourselves that we are not good enough to receive then we are not believing what the Word of God says. There is no condemnation; and God is greater than our heart; and we have access to God via the Lord Jesus Christ.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16

We are to come boldly unto the throne of grace. Grace is unmerited favor from God. God gives. We did not earn it; nor are we good enough. Yet God's throne is a throne of grace. When we need to know what to do we go boldly to God expecting to receive because God gives freely. Unmerited. Grace.

We receive from God mercy. Mercy is relief from misery. We find grace to help. We find God's wisdom given to us freely to meet our need.

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Ask in the name of Jesus Christ

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17

We have access to God via the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of the accomplishments of Jesus Christ we can go boldly to God and find grace to help in time of need. So when we ask, we ask in the name of Jesus Christ.

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GOD Knows What You Need Before You Ask

Matthew 6:8b...for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

In summary:

ASK GOD -> HE KNOWS -> HE GIVES FREELY -> YOU KNOW.