Book of James - Chapter 4 - Verse 2

The verse "Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not." speaks about the consequences of selfish and unrighteous desires. The verse highlights how individuals may covet and seek after things that are not in line with God's will, leading to a cycle of frustration and strife. The act of killing mentioned here may not necessarily refer to physical harm but could also symbolize the harm caused to relationships, reputation, or one's own spirit in pursuit of wrongful desires.

By emphasizing the importance of prayer and seeking God's will, the verse suggests that true fulfillment and peace can only be found through aligning one's desires with God's plan. The lack of fulfillment and satisfaction experienced by those who act out of selfish motives is attributed to their failure to seek guidance and blessings from God through prayer.

Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the dangers of pursuing selfish desires at the expense of others and the importance of seeking God's will through prayer in order to find true fulfillment and peace.

In this verse, the Apostle James addresses the issue of selfish desires and the destructive behavior that stems from them. The word "lust" refers to strong desires or cravings that are not in line with God's will. James highlights that those who indulge in such lustful desires are not satisfied, leading them to extreme measures such as killing or fighting in order to obtain what they desire. However, despite their violent efforts, they still do not achieve their goals. James points out that the root of this issue lies in the fact that they do not seek God's guidance through prayer. By emphasizing the importance of seeking God's will and guidance in all things, James underscores the futility of chasing after selfish desires and the need for trust in God's provision. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to turn to God in prayer, rather than resorting to destructive behavior driven by selfish desires.