The chapter break between James 3:18 and 4:1 is an unfortunate one, for James neither changed the subject nor shifted his emphasis. In fact, the initial comments he made regarding the destructive nature of the tongue (3:6-10) build to a great crescendo in the beginning of this fourth chapter as he dealt with open conflicts among Christians.

In 4:1-10, there is set forth the reasons for fights among believers as well as their tragic results. But James didn't leave us without some answers on how to stop those conflicts that have taken their toll within our ranks.