James 1:6

6 But he must 1ask in faith 2without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, 3driven and tossed by the wind.

James 1:6 Meaning and Commentary

James 1:6

But let him ask in faith
Not only in the faith of the divine Being that God is; but in the faith of the promises he has made; and in the faith of his power and faithfulness to perform them; and in the faith of this, that whatever is asked, according to the will of God, and is for his glory, and his people's good, shall be given.

Nothing wavering;
about the thing asked for, whether it is right or no to ask for it; for that should be settled before it is asked for; nor about the power of God to do it; nor about his will, in things he has declared he will do; nor about his faithfulness to his promises; nor at all questioning but what is proper, suitable, and convenient, will be given in God's own time and way.

For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind
and tossed;
he is troubled, restless, unquiet, and impatient; and he is fickle, inconstant, unstable, and unsettled; and is easily carried away with every wind of doctrine, temptation, and lust.

James 1:6 In-Context

4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord ,
8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Cross References 3

  • 1. Matthew 21:21
  • 2. Mark 11:23; Acts 10:20
  • 3. Matthew 14:28-31; Ephesians 4:14
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