James 1:5

³ because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

⁴ Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Now 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.

⁶ But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

⁷ That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: Now 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.
KJV: 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.
WEB: But 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.
ASV: But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
DARBY: But if any one of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all freely and reproaches not, and it shall be given to him:
BLB: Now if any of you⁺ lacks wisdom, let him ask from God, the One giving generously to all and not reproaching, and it will be given to him.

ÅB: Men dersom noen av dere mangler visdom, da be han Gud, han som gir alle villig og uten onde ord, og den skal gis ham.
OTB: Hvis noen av dere mangler visdom, la dem be til Gud, som gir rikelig til alle uten bebreidelse, og det vil bli gitt dem.
B1930: Men dersom nogen av eder mangler visdom, da bede han Gud, han som gir alle villig og uten onde ord, og den skal gis ham.

Short explanation

If anyone lacks wisdom, they can ask God for it, and God gives generously without finding fault. Wisdom is something you can ask for.

Context: James writes about holding out in trials.

See also: Proverbs 2:6, Matthew 7:7

The explanation was written by an AI and has not yet been reviewed by a person. All explanations

Proverbs 2:3–6
if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding,
Read in context
John 15:7
If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
Read in context
Jeremiah 29:12–13
Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
Read in context
Proverbs 3:5–7
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
Read in context
1 John 5:14–15
And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Read in context
Matthew 7:7–11
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.
Read in context
2 Chronicles 1:10
Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
Read in context
James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
Read in context