An excerpt from "Got Questions.org" entitled, "What is the meaning of 'you have not because you ask not' in James 4:2?" states:
"1. The people wanted a lot, and this was causing them to fight and quarrel among themselves. Presumably, they were frustrated with each other as they could not get what they wanted.
2. The inability to get what they wanted had driven some of them to “kill.” Maybe they were literally murdering each other; more likely, they were thinking and doing hateful things that Jesus said amount to murder (Matthew 5:22; cf. 1 John 3:15).
3. They coveted but were unable to get what they wanted, so they continued to quarrel and fight.
4. They refused to pray, or, if they did pray, they did so out of selfish motives.
Unfortunately, the group of people to whom James writes looks like many people today. There are Christians who are out to further their own agenda to get what they want by any means possible. When they are frustrated in their aims, they lash out at each other."
This article may be viewed at: What is the meaning of "you have not because you ask not" in James 4:2?/gotquestions.org
Reference: James 4:1-2
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