James 4:3 states, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss…” Amiss? What does “amiss” mean? Interestingly, the same Greek word that is used for “amiss” is also translated “sick” (Matt. 4:24); “diseased” (Matt. 14:35); “grievously” (Matt. 15:22); “sore” (Matt. 17:15); and “miserably” (Matt. 21:41). But it is used more closely in the same way in the words of Jesus in John 18:32 and the words of Paul in Acts 23:5. In summary, Paul states, “You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.” The word “evil” is the same word as “amiss” in James 4:3.
“You ask and not receive, because you ask evilly…” How do we ask of the Lord “evilly” or, as the NASB translates it, “with wrong motives”? The rest of the verse answers the question—“…that you may spend (i.e., squander) it on your pleasures.” If the motivation of our “asking” of God is purely selfish, in order to fulfill some fleshly pleasures, then God sees that request as “evil,” “amiss” and “grievous” and will not answer. Asking for material things is not wrong! But, what’s our motive? Why are we asking? Unlike anyone else, God looks on our heart.