Wars and fights stem not from others’ annoying us, but from the weakness of the inner man and his defeat in the inner war. Abbot Poemen (1) clarified that when the building is shaken and falls, it is because there was no strong foundation, not just because of winds. He said: [When man is defeated before the sin of anger, he has to realize that this is because of his own inner weakness and not because of the insult directed to him. Thus, we do not need to search for our outside peace, and not to think that the patience of others will benefit our impatience, for it is written that the kingdom of God is inside you, and also that “A man’s foes will be those of his own household.” [Matt 10:36] There is no enemy worse than one’s heart, which is like one’s own household.]
The cause of all fights is depriving the heart of the inner peace. St. Augustine said: [In the spiritual war if we overcome our lusts, we overcome our enemies (the devils). When we overcome these carnal lusts, no doubt, we overcome the devil that dominates us with these lusts. When God said to the devil (in the person of the serpent) that you will eat dust, it was said to the sinner (in the person of Adam) that you are dust and to the dust you will return. Thus, man became food for the devil. If we do not want to become like that, we have not to become dust.]
The source of all fights is one’s surrender to the ego that fights in our members, without any resistance. However, if one resists and not surrender, then even if all the surrounding circumstances bother him and he loses everything, yet he does not lose his inner peace and fear does not penetrate his heart. St. John Chrysostom (2) said: [No one can harm you unless you harm yourself. If you do not sin, there will be tens of thousands of swords, which will threaten you, but God will pull you so they won’t come near you.]
This is the effect of lusts to the one who surrenders to them. What does one benefit? St. James said, “You lust and do not have...” [Verse 2] These lusts are like the mirage that attracts man to run after, but soon one gets lost and becomes more thirsty without obtaining anything, for they are deceiving.
The cause of all fights is depriving the heart of the inner peace. St. Augustine said: [In the spiritual war if we overcome our lusts, we overcome our enemies (the devils). When we overcome these carnal lusts, no doubt, we overcome the devil that dominates us with these lusts. When God said to the devil (in the person of the serpent) that you will eat dust, it was said to the sinner (in the person of Adam) that you are dust and to the dust you will return. Thus, man became food for the devil. If we do not want to become like that, we have not to become dust.]
The source of all fights is one’s surrender to the ego that fights in our members, without any resistance. However, if one resists and not surrender, then even if all the surrounding circumstances bother him and he loses everything, yet he does not lose his inner peace and fear does not penetrate his heart. St. John Chrysostom (2) said: [No one can harm you unless you harm yourself. If you do not sin, there will be tens of thousands of swords, which will threaten you, but God will pull you so they won’t come near you.]
This is the effect of lusts to the one who surrenders to them. What does one benefit? St. James said, “You lust and do not have...” [Verse 2] These lusts are like the mirage that attracts man to run after, but soon one gets lost and becomes more thirsty without obtaining anything, for they are deceiving.
Footnote
(1) St. John Cassian: Conferences, 18:13.
(2) The Author: The Church Loves You, p. 36-38.
 | Author: Tadros Yacoub Malaty Rank: Monk Posted on: 2023-02-16 Source: Title: The Epistle of St. James Year (original): 2001 Author: Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty Number of pages: 73 Translation: Ferial Moawad |
Whence are wars (1) and contentions, in all kinds, but from your lusts and disorderly passions, coveting to have and enjoy what you have not, as to pleasures, riches, honours, &c. (Witham)
Footnote
(1) Unde bella et lites? polemoi kai machai, as also in ver. 2, litigatis et belligeratis, machesthe, kai polemeite. I see no reason to translate it, by lawsuits and pleadings, as Mr. N.
 | Author: George Leo Haydock Rank: Author AD: 1849 Source: Title: Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary Year (original): 1859 Number of pages: 571 Print: Edward Dunigan and Brother, New York, New York |
Let us cleave, therefore, to the innocent and righteous, since these are the elect of God. Why are there strifes, and tumults, and divisions, and schisms, and wars.
 | Author: Clement Of Rome Rank: Bishop AD: 99 |
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
