The Pulpit Commentary — James — Section 16

to increase his power of holy endurance is unspeakably a gainer by his calamities, and should receive tho congratulations (" greeting ") of bis brethren rather than their sympathy. 3. It contri'butes to moral perfection. (Ver. 4.) This is the end which ",od has in view in all his dealings with his people. He wants them to be "perfect -nd entire;" that is, complete and all-accomplished in spiritual culture. Now, the habit of persevering and joyful endurance conduces to the maturity and the symmetry or the soul. Sanctified trial educates. Some of the most refined Christian virtues-such, e.g., as resi11:nation and sympathy-can be acquired only in connection with affliction, A delicately balanced Christian spirit is not the outcome of a. smooth and unruffled life. No character can approximate in finish to the ideal standard which does not" come out of the great tribulation," and which is not made "perfect through sufferings." This thought is emphasized everywhere in the New Testament, from the Gospels to the Apocalypse. It has interpenetrated all literature. Our life must be "battered with the shocks of doom, to shape and use." "'Tis sorrow builds the shining ladder up," 011 which our souls climb nearer God. Notice i11 conclusion: 1. While it is positively unchristian to murmur a.mid trials, the model Christian frame is not mere submission. 2. It is very comforting to the believer to know that his crosses are sent to promote his perfection. 3. The child of God has here a crucial test of the measure of his spiritual attainment.-C. J. Vers. 5-8.- Wisdom for those who ask it. The apostle has just been saying that the trials and burdens of life should conduce, if wisely borne, to the purifying of the believing soul, the bracing of its moral energies, and the perfecting of its spiritual life. But how hard it is to bear severe afflictions thus wisely ! Every one needs a wisdom above his own, who would "count manifold trials all joy," and "let patience have its perfect work." I. A UNIVERSAL w ANT. (Ver. 5.) Wisdom means the right use of knowledge. A man may k11ow a. very great deal, and yet not be a wise man. Wisdom classifies the materials of knowledge, and studies to use them so as to build up and beautify the life. It proposes right ends, and chooses the best means by which to reach them. It shows itself not so much in doing the right thing, as in doing it at the proper time. In the highest use of the word, "wisdom" is just another name for piety. It is that state of mind and heart which is produced by the believing reception of gospel truth. The one fool of the Bible is the sinner. 'l.'he only wise man is he who regards the glory of God as the end of his life, and who makes his acts and habits means to that end. Now, we all naturally lack wisdom, and a thoughtful man realizes this lack most thoroughly in the time of trial. What a rare and difficult attainment is that holy discretion which can welcome even the contrary winds of calamity, and the driving storms of tribulation, because it can make them helpful in steering joyfully towards the desired haven! ll. .AN ABUNDANT SOURCE OF SUPPLY. "God, who giveth to all" (ver. 5); literally, "the giving God," '!'he living, loving Jehovah is the one Source and Fountain of wisdom. '!'hat is one of his essential attributes; and it is his prerogative to impart it to his creatures. He gives the Holy Spirit to work wisdom in the hearts of believers. Now, the God of wisdom is the Giver of all good things. His resources are infinite, and his ii:ifts are universal and unceasing. In his common providence he imparts blessings to all his creatures-to the barnacle that clings to the rocks, and to the archangel that ministers before the throne. And he is "the giving God'' in grace also. "He that 8pared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things?" So he is ready to bestow wisdom at all times, and especially in the day of trial; he waits to impart to every devout sufferer a wealth of holy patience and of spiritual joy. And the giving God gives liberally and unreproachingly. lt is his characteristic habit to be exceedingly bountiful. III. AN EABY METHOD oF OBTAINING. "Let him ask, and it shall be given him" (ver. 6). Holy wisdom is not the result merely of thought or speculation. No Aristo- telian or Baconian method can produce it. No habit of sullen, dogged Stoicism reveals its presence. It is to be had from God, and for the asking. God is the living God, nnd he is very near us; and we, his children, have the freest access to him. He gives "simply" to those who pray simply. He bestows "liberally" upon those who i,eti tioo.  10 THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF JAMES. [on. 1. 1-27.