James 1:8

NASB –  being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

NIV- he is a double–minded man, unstable in all he does.

ESV- he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Original Language

NASB – using  Strong’s Concordance

being a double-minded- G1374 δίψυχος dipsuchos dip’-soo-khos From G1364 and G5590; two spirited, that is, vacillating (in opinion or purpose):—double minded.

man, – G435 ἀνήρ anēr an’-ayr A primary word (compare G444); a man (properly as an individual male):—fellow, husband, man, sir.

unstable – G182 ἀκατάστατος akatastatos ak-at-as’-tat-os From G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G2525; inconstant:—unstable.

in all – G3956 πᾶς pas pas Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:—all (manner of, means) alway (-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no (-thing), X throughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.

his ways. – G3598 ὁδός hodos hod-os’ Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively a mode or means:—journey, (high-) way.

This verse makes me think about my college time.  Theater, Biblical Studies, Missions, Criminal Justice; Evangel, SAGU, Evangel…still have 2 classes left.  That’s where I was.  I was double minded.  I vacillated back and forth so much that it cost me years and relationships and has, up until I finish, cost me my degree.  I doubted God and His plan for me.  In reality, I just didn’t spend any time with Him gaining wisdom.  I never asked for it properly.  I asked in a very non committal type of way; “God, what should I do?’ and then did whatever I wanted to anyway.  I didn’t listen to His wisdom.  I bounced around so much.  I’m very happy with where I am now, and I wouldn’t trade it, but I truly wish I wouldn’t have had to go through all that I did in order to get here.

I was definitely double minded, of two spirits.  I was inconsistent and unsteady at every decision.  I preferred to have others make my decisions for me so that I didn’t have to bear any of the responsibility.  How weak?  I asked for wisdom, but I didn’t follow it.  I chased many other things hoping to just land in God’s will eventually.  How gracious and merciful He has been to me.  God, I have spent years forming terrible habits of laziness and dodging responsibility.  Please help me to seek out Your wisdom and follow through with it.  I need Your strength to obey and follow Your Wisdom.  Thank you, God.