Against Murmuring

Spurgeon, Charles Haddon

Numbers 11:1-3

And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled…

I. A DISSATISFIED SPIRIT CAUSES DISPLEASURE TO THE LORD.

1. This we might infer from our own feelings, when dependents, children, servants, or receivers of alms are always grumbling. We grow weary of them, and angry with them.

2. In the case of men towards God it is much worse for them to murmur, since they deserve no good at His hands, but the reverse (Lamentations 3:29; Psalm 103:10).

3. In that case also it is a reflection upon the Lord's goodness, wisdom, truth, and power.

4. The evil lusting which attends the complaining proves its injurious character. We are ready for anything when we quarrel with God (1 Corinthians 10:5-12).

5. God thinks so ill of it that His wrath burns, and chastisement is not long withheld. To set an imaginary value upon that which we have not —

(1)  Is foolish, childish, pettish.

(2)  Is injurious to ourselves, for it prevents our enjoying what we already have.

(3)  Is slanderous towards God, and ungrateful to Him.

(4)  Leads to rebellion, falsehood, envy, and all manner of sins.

II. A DISSATISFIED SPIRIT FINDS NO PLEASURE FOR ITSELF EVEN WHEN ITS WISH IS FULFILLED. The Israelites had flesh in superabundance in answer to their foolish prayers, but —

1. It was attended with leanness of soul (Psalm 106:15).

2. It brought satiety (ver. 20).

3. It caused death (Psalm 78:31).

4. It thus led to mourning on all sides.

III. A DISSATISFIED SPIRIT SNOWS THAT THE MIND NEEDS REGULATING. Grace would put our desires in order, and keep our thoughts and affections in their proper places, thus —

1. Content with such things as we have (Hebrews 13:5).

2. Towards other things moderate in desire (Proverbs 30:8).

3. Concerning earthly things which may be lacking, fully resigned (Matthew 26:39).

4. First, and most eagerly, desiring God (Psalm 42:2).

5. Next coveting earnestly the best gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31)

6. Following ever in love the more excellent way (1 Corinthians 12:31).

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