Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Some of them are supposed to say in objection, But we do "ask" (pray); compare James 4:2. James replies, It is not enough to ask for good things, but we must ask with a good spirit and intention. "Ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it (your object of prayer) upon (literally, 'in') your lusts (literally, 'pleasures')"; not that ye may have the things you need for the service of God. Contrast James 1:5 with Matthew 6:31-32. If ye prayed aright, all your proper wants would be supplied; the improper cravings which produce "wars and fightings" would then cease. Even believers' prayers are often best answered when their desires are most opposed.
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing James 4:3:
Matthew 7:8
James 4:4
James 4:8
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