But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights that doubting isn't outright disbelief, but a hesitant wavering between faith and unbelief. This inner turmoil is so unstable it's compared to a surging wave, not just moved by the wind, but tossed and churned by its force.
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
English Standard Version (ESV)
James is addressing believers who are facing trials, encouraging them to persevere and seek wisdom from God. He's just stated that trials produce steadfastness, and now he's instructing them on how to approach God for the wisdom needed to navigate these difficulties. This verse acts as a crucial instruction, emphasizing that their prayers for wisdom must be offered with unwavering trust, not with the indecisiveness of someone pulled in conflicting directions.
Ever feel like your prayers are just going through the motions? James points to a critical element that makes all the difference.
James 1:6 is crystal clear: when we ask God for wisdom, we must do it with faith and without doubting.
The Core Requirement: Faith
Faith here isn't just believing that God exists. It's a deep trust that God is who He says He is – all-good, all-powerful, and ready to give good gifts to those who ask.
The Danger: Doubting
The flip side is doubt, or 'hesitation.' This isn't necessarily outright disbelief, but a wavering, an inner debate. It's that voice asking, 'Will God really come through? Will it be for my good?' This kind of doubt paralyzes our prayers, making them unstable and ineffective.
James uses a powerful image to describe the person who prays with a double mind. It’s a picture of constant turmoil.
The second half of James 1:6 paints a vivid picture: 'the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.'
A Storm at Sea
Think of a ship caught in a storm, or even just a single wave. It has no control. It's completely at the mercy of the wind and the currents. One moment it's high, the next it's crashing down. It’s constantly in motion, but going nowhere.
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Inner Turmoil
This is precisely the state of the doubter. Their inner life is characterized by agitation and instability. They are 'driven' by external pressures and 'tossed' by their own inner conflicts and uncertainties. They can't find solid ground because their trust is constantly shifting.
Understand the original words
pistis · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, this refers to a settled conviction, reliance, or trust in God’s character and promises. It is the active response of the believer to God's revelation, often contrasted with hesitation or skepticism.
diakrinō · Greek Verb
A state of internal conflict or hesitation between two options, specifically involving a lack of confidence in God’s willingness or ability to answer. It reflects an indecisive divided heart that fails to rely fully on God.
kyrios · Greek Noun
Used figuratively to describe the character of the Lord, this refers to Yahweh (in the OT) or Jesus (in the NT) as the sovereign Master, Provider, and Giver to whom believers look for aid.
Jesus directly links the power of prayer to unwavering faith, echoing James's emphasis on asking without doubting and the potential consequences of doubt.
Hebrews 11:6This passage highlights that without faith, it is impossible to please God, reinforcing James's point that faith is essential for answered prayer.
Ephesians 4:14Paul uses a similar metaphor of being tossed by waves to describe those unstable in their faith and blown about by false teachings, illustrating the peril of a wavering spirit.
Isaiah 57:20This Old Testament passage describes the wicked as being like a 'troubled sea' that 'cannot be calm,' a potent image that parallels James's description of the doubter as a restless, wind-driven wave.
Mark 11:24Jesus teaches that whatever one asks for in prayer, believing that he has received it, will be his, directly supporting James's instruction to ask in faith without wavering.
barnesJames 1:6: "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."
But let him ask in faith - See the passages referred to in James 1:5 . Compare the Matthew 7:7 note, and Hebrews 11:6 note. We cannot hope to obtain any favor from God if there is not faith; and where, as in regard to the wisdom necessary to guide us, we are sure that it is in accordance with his will to grant it to us, we may come to him with the utmost confi…
vincentJames 1:6: "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."
Doubting (διακρινόμενος)Compare Matthew 21:21. Not equivalent to unbelief, but expressing the hesitation which balances between faith and unbelief, and inclines toward the latter. This idea is brought out in the next sentence.A wave (κλύδωνι)Rev., surge. Only here and Luke 8:24; though the kindred verb occurs at Ephesians 4:14. The word is admirably chosen,…
The text highlights that doubting isn't outright disbelief, but a hesitant wavering between faith and unbelief. This inner turmoil is so unstable it's compared to a surging wave, not just moved by the wind, but tossed and churned by its force.
James is addressing believers who are facing trials, encouraging them to persevere and seek wisdom from God. He's just stated that trials produce steadfastness, and now he's instructing them on how to approach God for the wisdom needed to navigate these difficulties. This verse acts as a crucial instruction, emphasizing that their prayers for wisdom must be offered with unwavering trust, not with the indecisiveness of someone pulled in conflicting directions.
James is addressing believers who are facing trials, encouraging them to persevere and seek wisdom from God. He's just stated that trials produce steadfastness, and now he's instructing them on how to approach God for the wisdom needed to navigate these difficulties. This verse acts as a crucial instruction, emphasizing that their prayers for wisdom must be offered with unwavering trust, not with the indecisiveness of someone pulled in conflicting directions.
"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;" — The text highlights that doubting isn't outright disbelief, but a hesitant wavering between faith and unbelief. This inner turmoil is so unstable it's compared to a surging wave, not just moved by th…
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Last reviewed October 2026