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.
Greek, 'BUT (as this perfect entireness is no easy attainment) if any,' etc.
Lack - rather, as the Greek is repeated, after James' manner, James 1:4, "wanting nothing." 'If any of you wisdom,' whereby to "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations," and "let patience have her perfect work." This "wisdom" is shown in its effects, James 3:17. The highest wisdom governs patience alike in poverty and riches (James 1:9-10).
Ask (James 4:2).
Liberally, х haploos (G574)] - with simplicity (Romans 12:8). God gives without adding anything to take from the graciousness of the gift (Alford). God requires the same 'simplicity' in His children ("eye ... single," Matthew 6:22: literally, simple).
Upbraideth not - an illustration of simply. God gives to the suppliant without upbraiding him with past ingratitude, or future abuse of God's goodness. The Jews pray, 'Let me not have need of the gifts of men, whose gifts are few, but their upbraidings manifold; but give me out thy large hand.' Compare Solomon's prayer for "wysdom," and God's gift above what he asked, though God foresaw his future abuse of it would deserve very differently. James has before his eye the sermon on the mount (see 'Introduction'). God hears every true prayer, and grants either the thing asked or something better: as a good physician consults his patient's good, better by denying what the latter asks, not for his good, than conceding a temporary gratification to his hurt.