James 4:3
Ye ask and receive not, because that, basely, ye ask, in order that, in your pleasures, ye may spend [it].
The Emphasised Bible by J. B. Rotherham
In The King James Version
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
In Context
Cross References
Job 27:8For what shall be the hope of the impious, though he graspeth with greed, when GOD shall draw forth his soul?
Psalms 18:41They cried out, but there was none to save, unto Yahweh, but he answered them not.
Proverbs 1:28Then, will they call me, but I will not answer, they will seek me diligently, but shall not find me.
Proverbs 21:13He that shutteth his ear from the cry of the poor, even he, shall call, and not be answered.
Isaiah 1:15Even when ye spread forth your open palms, I hide mine eyes from you; Yea, though ye multiply prayers, I am not hearkening,—Your hands, with deeds of blood, are filled.
Jeremiah 11:14Thou, therefore do not pray for this people, Neither lift thou up for them cry or prayer,—For I am not going to hear in the time that they cry unto me concerning their calamity.
Matthew Henry on James 4:2-11
Origin of War and Contention; Against Pride; Submission to God. ( a. d. 61.) 1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 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. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever… Read the whole commentary →