James 4:1

Verse 1 From whence come wars?

The question is unambiguous. It is especially pointed, and just as bold as it is plain. Without waiting for either believing or unbelieving Jew to respond, the writer of this Epistle courageously himself launches forth the answer, and it comes with the force of a tornado, sweeping everything before it.

Come they not hence even of your lusts?

Who among you has the temerity to deny it? This is so plainly the case, that, upon the least reflection, none who are honest will dare dissent. We note that the word "lusts" is plural. Probably the pride, ambition and covetousness of the Jew are included. It may be doubtful whether this classification is exhaustive. But these, as operating causes, are supposed to produce what the Jew sought. These lusts war in the members of those who entertain them, and yet there is no sufficient reason why they should exist, especially in those illuminated by the gospel.