First, note the connection between this verse and the last. In verse 4, we learned that it is God's purpose in sending us trials to develop in us the kind of well-rounded Christian character that wants or lacks nothing. But in verse 5, the first thing brought to our attention is that we may in fact find ourselves lacking or wanting in wisdom. This shows that while God has our perfection in mind and that perfection should be our goal, none of us will ever arrive in this life. Whatever our level of maturity and understanding, it will always be God's prerogative to try our faith to the point of causing us to seek more wisdom. And, of course, Jesus Christ is our wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30). God's goal is not that we seek more abstract knowledge, but that we seek more of the Lord.
James is not implying that any person may not need additional wisdom. He is, however, pointing out that there may be some who think they have sufficient wisdom. Certainly everyone over 30 has learned that they need more wisdom regardless of how much they know. But young, immature Believers sometimes approach life and its trials with the attitude that they have everything they need to fight all the world and the devil himself. Wisdom is only given to those who recognize their need of it. This is true of all God's promises; for example, see Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 5:6.
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any ting according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
Many times when we pray, we are unsure of just what we should pray for. But in this instance, we are specifically told that, once we see our need of wisdom, wisdom is what we are to seek from God. With this clear directive from God Himself, we can then claim John's promise and be certain that, if we genuinely seek, God will grant us wisdom.
Ask a person to meet your needs, and you may get a good response--the first, and sometimes, even the second time. But ask of God and receive liberally every time, every day, throughout our life. It is God's delight to show us our need for no other reason than to show us His willingness and ability to meet that need. While men expect us to do our best, to make our own way, and to strive for independence; God wants us to recognize that even our best is not sufficient, so He gives us His best; that we can't make our own way, but He is the Way; that independence is our doom, but dependence on Him brings every blessing in this life and throughout eternity.
No doubt, no fears, no short supply. God delivers. This is not an easy promise to the casual inquirer; but a sure promise to the earnest seeker. Only a fool will say that God hasn't given wisdom as He promised; for such a statement only shows that he hasn't diligently sought God. Every person who seeks in earnest will receive a supply. And the more we seek, we more we receive. And every time we seek, we receive. This is like a hand pump on a deep well. Pumping the handle a few times only frustrates you, because it appears nothing happens. And if you quit when the first trickle comes, that's all you get. But if you keep pumping, you will get more water than you can use. The priming strokes are hard and frustrating, but once the water starts flowing, the strokes are easier and abundantly rewarding.
mp 12/14/88