Albert Barnes Commentary James 1:7

"For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord;" — James 1:7 (ASV)

For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. Compare Hebrews 11:6. A man can hope for favor from God only as he puts confidence in Him.

He sees the heart; and if He sees that there is no belief in His existence or His perfections—no real trust in Him—no reliance on His promises, His wisdom, His grace—it cannot be proper for Him to grant an answer to our petitions.

That will sufficiently account for the fact that there are so many unanswered prayers; that we so frequently go to the throne of grace, and are sent empty away. A man who goes to God in such a state of mind should not expect to receive any favor.