1:6

not doubting at all: The Greek verb rendered “doubting” and “doubts” in this verse conveys the idea of being uncertain, divided in one’s mind, indecisive. The same verb is rendered “waver” at Ro 4:20. (See study note.) In the Christian Greek Scriptures, doubt is contrasted with faith in various contexts. Jesus showed that doubt can involve weakness of faith when he told Peter: “You with little faith, why did you give way to doubt?” (Mt 14:31; see study note on Mt 17:20.) James here discusses the danger of doubting whether God will answer a Christian’s sincere prayers for wisdom. Instead of giving in to doubts, a Christian should keep asking in faith, that is, in full confidence that God will respond.​—See study note on Mt 7:7; compare study note on Jude 22.

like a wave of the sea: James likens a person who lacks faith​—a person who has doubts when he prays to God​—to restless and unpredictable waves that surge in every direction as they are “driven by the wind.” Such waves would have been a familiar sight to James, who grew up in Nazareth, not far from both the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea. (Regarding James’ use of illustrations, see “Introduction to James.”) A doubter is swayed by every “wind”​—every outside influence, every fear, every pressure of circumstances. (Jas 1:8; compare Eph 4:14.) James exhorts such a person to pray to Jehovah with confidence, assured that He hears his petitions and answers them in His own time and way.​—Jas 1:5; 1Jo 5:14, 15.