Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
English Version omits "But," which the Greek has, and which is important. "But (as this perfect entireness wanting nothing is no easy attainment) if any," etc.
lack--rather, as the Greek word is repeated after James's manner, from James 1:4, "wanting nothing," translate, "If any of you want wisdom," namely, the wisdom whereby ye may "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations," and "let patience have her perfect work." This "wisdom" is shown in its effects in detail, James 3:7. The highest wisdom, which governs patience alike in poverty and riches, is described in James 1:9-10.
ask-- (James 4:2).
liberally--So the Greek is rendered by English Version. It is rendered with simplicity, Romans 12:8. God gives without adding aught which may take off 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 God's giving simply. He gives to the humble suppliant without upbraiding him with his past sin and ingratitude, or his 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 of Thy large and full hand." Compare Solomon's prayer for "wisdom," and God's gift above what he asked, though God foresaw his future abuse of His goodness would deserve very differently. James has before his eye the Sermon on the Mount (see my Introduction). God hears every true prayer and grants either the thing asked, or else something better than it; as a good physician consults for his patient's good better by denying something which the latter asks not for his good, than by conceding a temporary gratification to his hurt.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Proverbs 2:6
Proverbs 14:6
Daniel 1:17
Daniel 2:21
Matthew 7:8
2 Corinthians 8:2
James 3:15
James 4:3
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