James 1:6–7

Context

The Epistle of James is a letter addressed "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" (James 1:1) and is traditionally attributed to James, the brother of the Lord. The letter opens with an exhortation to count it all joy when one falls into various trials (James 1:2–4). It then urges anyone who lacks wisdom to ask of God, "that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not" (James 1:5). Verses 6–7 address the attitude of faith required when one prays in this way. Verse 8, which immediately follows, describes the one who doubts as "a double minded man" who "is unstable in all his ways."

Interpretation

• A reading focused on prayer for wisdom: Many commentators hold that the "asking" here refers to the wisdom of verse 5, that is, the discernment needed to live rightly in the midst of trials. On this reading, the passage is less a promise covering every desire than an exhortation to believers undergoing testing.
• A reading focused on the warning against double-mindedness: The Greek verb translated "doubt" (diakrinō) can also mean "to be divided" or "to deliberate back and forth." This interpretation holds that the word refers not so much to intellectual skepticism as to a heart divided between God and the world. It appeals to verse 8 and to the address "ye double minded" (James 4:8) in support.
• A reading emphasizing the prayer of faith: In the Pentecostal and charismatic traditions, this passage is often used to emphasize the prayer of faith offered without doubting. In this approach it is read together with Mark 11:22–25 and "the prayer of faith" in James 5:15.

Controversies and Issues

• Unanswered prayer and faith: Applying the passage so as to blame doubt when one fails to receive what one desires is frequently criticized in critiques of prosperity theology. Critics argue that the passage is not a formula that makes what one receives proportional to the measure of one's faith. They also maintain that it should be read alongside James 4:2–3, which warns against asking with wrong motives.
• How to regard doubt in believers: The account of the father who cried out, "help thou mine unbelief" (Mark 9:24), and the call to show compassion to those who doubt (Jude 1:22) are cited in support. On this basis, many pastoral interpretations hold that the passage does not condemn struggles and questions of faith as such.

In the Korean Church

In sermons encouraging prayer, the passage is frequently cited in support of the exhortation "Do not doubt, but ask in faith." Typical settings include appeals to attend early morning prayer meetings or to undertake committed prayer (prayer pledged for a set period).

Related Passages

• James 1:8
• James 4:8
• Matthew 21:21–22
• Mark 9:24
• 1 John 5:14–15