Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from James 4:2. It's a really powerful message about our relationship with God and ourselves. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core of the Verse: “Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "Ye lust, and have not..." : This means you're drawn to things that aren't truly yours – perhaps fleeting pleasures, a bad attitude, or focusing on the wrong things. It suggests an inward desire, a longing for something outside of yourself. It’s about wanting something that isn’t actually satisfying you. "...ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain..." : This is where it gets deeper. “Killing” here doesn't necessarily mean violence, but it refers to harming your own spirit – being bitter, angry, or resentful. It means you want something that’s not yours , and you’re trying to get it, but you can't. You're yearning for something that’s out of reach. "...ye fight and war, yet ye have not..." : This is the crucial part. "Fighting" represents a struggle – perhaps with your emotions, with yourself, or even with others. “Yet ye have not” means you're constantly battling without actually achieving anything significant. You’re putting energy into things that don’t truly fulfill you. "...because ye ask not." This is the key takeaway. It’s about lack of seeking . You're asking for something, but you’re not actively looking for it. You aren't expressing your true desire or need to God. In simpler terms, this verse means we often get caught up in negative thoughts and desires that don’t lead to a fulfilling life. It's about focusing on the wrong things and not seeking what truly matters to us. What does it mean for us ? This verse is a call to: Self-Reflection: Take time to examine your thoughts, feelings, and desires. Ask yourself why you’re longing for something that isn't truly yours. Seek God: Turn to God with sincere prayer and confession – asking for His guidance and help in finding true happiness and fulfillment. Focus on What's Within: Concentrate on cultivating good qualities like kindness, humility, gratitude, and love – these are things that come from within us and lead to a peaceful life. Does this make sense? Would you like me to elaborate on any of these points or perhaps give some examples of how this verse applies to your own life?