Today's Verse: James 1:5 (KJV)

Friday, January 23, 2026

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.
— James 1:5 (KJV)
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Wisdom is that elusive quality we respect in others but find so difficult to develop in ourselves. Yet God promises wisdom to those of us who genuinely ask for it. But remember the secret of A.S.K. asking we learned yesterday - asking, seeking, and knocking. Or better yet, check out what Solomon says about wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-22). Wisdom is ours only if we seek it above all other possessions and value it above all other diversions. God longs to impart it, but there is something about spiritual wisdom that demands we value it before we can receive it.

Video Commentary...

We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Gracious giver of all good gifts, please bless me with wisdom today. Let me reflect your will and live for your glory in all my decisions - not just today, but moving forward in my life. Let your Kingdom guide my heart as I make my choices and have your Spirit lead me in your ways. I confess, Father, that I cannot guide my own steps without your wisdom and your Holy Spirit to guide me. So grant me wisdom this day. I pray, in Jesus' name. Amen.

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12 Related Resources by Heartlight

James 1:5
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"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."
James 1:5
Devo: Today's Verse
"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."
Ask God
Illustration of James 1:5
Inspirational illustration of James 1:5 -- 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.
Spiritually Muddled
Article by Mike Barres
How clear is your thinking? Mike Barres reminds us that we often confuse our muddled thinking, our inability to decide what to do, not because the decision is difficult, but because we don't want to obey.
See All 12 Related Resources about James 1:5

Illustration

Illustration of James 1:5 (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.

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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