ACC ~ James 1 v5

THE FAITH THAT JUSTIFIES. AUGUSTINE: This is the faith by which the righteous person lives. This is the faith which believes in the one who justifies the ungodly. This is the faith by which glorying is cut out [Rom 1:17]. … This is the faith which gains the bountiful outpouring of the Spirit. ON THE SPIRIT AND THE LETTER 56.

NOT FROM OURSELVES. AUGUSTINE: What blessing will that man not possess who has asked for and received this wisdom from the Lord? This will give you an understanding of what grace is, for if this wisdom were from ourselves it would not be from above and we would not have to ask for it from the God who created us. ON GRACE AND FREE WILL 24.

FAITH A GIFT. AUGUSTINE: Just because faith may be given to us before we ask for it, it does not follow that it is not a gift of God. God may well give it to us before we ask him for it, just as he also gives peace and love. This is why we pray both that faith may be increased in those who already have it and also that it may be given to those who have not yet received it. ON THE GIFT OF PERSEVERANCE 44.

ONLY GOD GIVES WISDOM. HILARY OF ARLES: Why does James tell them to seek wisdom?It is so that they might have God’s assurance. Only God should be asked for wisdom, not philosophers or astrologers. God gives wisdom like a fountain which never runs out of water, and he fills everyone whom he enters, but the wisdom of philosophers and other human agents is not given in abundance, and it is soon spewed out. INTRODUCTORY TRACTATE ON THE LETTER OF JAMES.

WISDOM TO FACE TEMPTATION. BEDE: Saving wisdom can come only from God and cannot be found by human free will, without the help of divine grace, as the Pelagians insist. Here, however, James is speaking particularly about that wisdom which we need when we meet temptations. He says that if there are some among us who do not understand why it is that we need to be tested in this way, then we should ask God to explain to us that a father must punish his children in order to make them ready for the inheritance of eternal life. CONCERNING THE EPISTLE OF ST. JAMES.

ASK GOD FOR WISDOM. OECUMENIUS: James calls wisdom the cause of perfection. He knows that faith is tried and tested in affliction. There is no need to ask God for perfect people. What we need are wise people. This is why he encourages those who want to be on top of their afflictions to ask God for wisdom. COMMENTARY ON JAMES.

SPIRITUAL WISDOM. THEOPHYLACT: James is referring here to spiritual wisdom, not the human kind. Spiritual wisdom is the cause of all perfect action. This is the heavenly wisdom, and when we have been strengthened by it we can do anything perfectly. COMMENTARY ON JAMES.

Jas