Topical Bible: Murmuring: Characteristic of the Wicked

◄ Murmuring: Characteristic of the Wicked ►

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Murmuring, often understood as grumbling or complaining, is depicted in the Bible as a characteristic behavior of the wicked and faithless. This behavior is frequently associated with a lack of trust in God's provision and sovereignty, and it is condemned throughout Scripture as a sign of rebellion against divine authority.

Old Testament Instances

The Israelites' journey through the wilderness provides a prominent example of murmuring. Despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the Israelites repeatedly complained against Moses and, by extension, against God. In Exodus 16:2-3 , the congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron, lamenting their situation and expressing a desire to return to Egypt. This murmuring was not merely dissatisfaction with their circumstances but a direct challenge to God's plan and provision.

Numbers 14:27 further illustrates God's response to such behavior: "How long will this wicked congregation grumble against Me? I have heard the complaints that the Israelites are making against Me." Here, God identifies murmuring as a characteristic of a "wicked congregation," highlighting its seriousness as a sin.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to address the issue of murmuring, emphasizing its incompatibility with a life of faith. In Philippians 2:14 , the Apostle Paul instructs believers, "Do everything without complaining or arguing," urging them to live blamelessly and purely as children of God. This directive underscores the expectation that Christians should exhibit contentment and trust in God's will, contrasting with the murmuring nature of the wicked.

Jude 1:16 provides a stark description of murmurers: "These men are discontented grumblers, following their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage." This passage links murmuring with other sinful behaviors, portraying it as a manifestation of self-centeredness and rebellion against God's authority.

Spiritual Implications

Murmuring is more than a mere expression of dissatisfaction; it reflects a deeper spiritual issue. It reveals a heart that is not aligned with God's purposes and a lack of faith in His goodness and provision. The Bible consistently portrays murmuring as a serious offense, one that can lead to divine judgment. In 1 Corinthians 10:10 , Paul warns the Corinthian church by referencing the Israelites' fate: "And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel."

Practical Application

For believers, the call is to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and trust, even in challenging circumstances. By focusing on God's faithfulness and promises, Christians can overcome the temptation to murmur. The biblical narrative encourages believers to replace grumbling with praise and thanksgiving, fostering a community that reflects God's character and stands in contrast to the wickedness of murmuring.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jude 1:16
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaks great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Ministry of Love, the Blasphemy of Hatred, and the Mistakes of ...
... time, we noticed the presence and murmuring of the ... in view of His Miracles - seem
not only wicked. ... brought to light another distinctive characteristic of the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxii the ministry of.htm

Ananias and Sapphira.
... the latter case, the Israelites were guilty of murmuring against God ... to the righteous
and to the wicked; to the ... of spiritual things, and as characteristic of a ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vi ananias and sapphira.htm

The Hymns of Isaac Watts
... The wicked are cast down ... sinner's looking at the Saviour, he thought it, but it was
(he admitted) very characteristic of Watts ... But they in murmuring language said ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/the hymns of isaac watts.htm

The Epistle of Saint Jude.
... Their third characteristic is, that they will not be ... Outwardly wicked works are indeed
the fruits of unbelief ... then there is nothing but murmuring and complaining ...
/.../the epistle of saint jude.htm

Epistle Xlv. To Theoctista, Patrician .
... bear from the tongues and hands of wicked men, we ... But, seeing that this very murmuring
of foolish men ... its style of argumentation, is very characteristic of the ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xlv to theoctista patrician.htm

John vii. 9, 10
... Ver.12. "And there was much murmuring among the people concerning Him.". ... [1384] al.
"which thing is especially characteristic of the multitude.". ... "was wicked.". ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xlix john vii 9.htm

Jer. 6:16 the Good Way.
... Jeremiah was God's messenger to a wicked king,"a ... Hurry is the characteristic of the
age in ... find trouble, care, sorrow, anxiety, murmuring, discontent, and ...
/.../ryle/the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter v jer 6 16 the.htm

The Faith of Little Children.
... imaginations and beliefs which are characteristic of older ... this robber from his wicked
purpose, and ... roadside, looked steadfastly up, murmuring, incoherently at ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the faith of little children.htm

Significant Phrases
... chaos and confusion. character and temperament. characteristic and complete. ... muttering
and murmuring. mutual and friendly. ... wholly and solely. wicked and malicious ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section ii significant phrases.htm

Hymns of Hope and Consolation.
... long, dark diorama of the world's wicked condition, follows ... from them." The above
hymns are characteristic to a ... meeting and Sunday-school and murmuring it at ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter xiv hymns of hope.htm