James 1:6 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

⁶ But he should ask in faith, without doubting, because the person who doubts [that he will receive wisdom] is like an ocean wave that is driven and tossed by the wind.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

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.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

⁶ Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.

American Standard Version (1901)

⁶ But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed.

Common English Bible

⁶ Whoever asks shouldn’t hesitate. They should ask in faith, without doubting. Whoever doubts is like the surf of the sea, tossed and turned by the wind.

Catholic Public Domain Version

⁶ But he should ask with faith, doubting nothing. For he who doubts is like a wave on the ocean, which is moved about by the wind and carried away;

James 1:6 Cross References

Hebrews 11:6

And unless one has faith, it is impossible for him to be pleasing to God, for the person who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.

Ephesians 4:14

Then we will no longer be [spiritual] babies, tossed back and forth [by waves], and blown around by every wind of [false] teaching, [deceived] by the clever trickery of people using deceptive schemes.

Hebrews 10:23

[So], we should hold on firmly to the profession of our hope [in God], without wavering from it, for God is faithful to His promises.

Hebrews 13:9

Do not continue to be swept off your course by all kinds of strange teachings. For it is good for your hearts to be strengthened by God’s unearned favor [upon you] and not by [keeping regulations about] foods, which do not benefit those who observe them.

1 Timothy 2:8

Therefore, I want the men to pray in every place [i.e., in all worship assemblies. See verses 1-2], lifting up holy hands without being angry or argumentative. [Note: This passage stresses both the physical and spiritual aspects of prayer].

2 Peter 2:17

Such people are like springs that give no water and clouds driven by the winds. [Only] the blackest darkness awaits them.

Matthew 14:28

Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is [really] you, ask me to come to you [walking] on the water.”

Acts 10:20

Go downstairs and [then] leave with them. Do not worry about anything because I have sent them [to you].”

James 1:7

For that [doubting] person should not think that he will receive anything from the Lord [through prayer],

James 5:15

And if their prayer is [offered] by faith, [God] will heal the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up [from his sickbed]. And if he had sinned, he will be forgiven for them [Note: This may imply that the man’s sickness was the result of some sin. In any event, his forgiveness would follow his repentance].