The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Corinthians — Section 336

these-infirmity and suffering or body; the brevity of its life, and its conseqUfmt insufficieucy for carrying out favourite schemes or studies; the limitation of the mental powers and. of knowledge; the imperfections of human society, civil, social, and religious. 2. There are such as may, at any time, be special to individuals. Some are called upon to endure personal sufferings and privations; others, sorrows and bereave- ments; others, unremitting toil; others, uncongenial occupations; others, calamities and disappointments; others, very limited opportunities; others, trials and persecutions for Christ's sake. All these may be occasions for murmuring, and sometimes those who are thus tried must need special grace to refrain from complaints, and to cultivate a cheerful, grateful, submissive spirit. II. THE MURMURING HERE CENSURED IS A CERTAIN SINFUL KIND OF DISSATISFACTIOX AND COMPLAINT. The admonition may be misunderstood. The apostle does not exhort us to be fatalistically contented with whatever actually exists, to be silent in the presence of human wrongs and ills, to be careless and indifferent as to the impro,ement and amelioration of the condition of society. But we are warned against rebelling against God, complaining of his ways, and resisting his will. Circumstances may be displeasing and uncongenial to us, yet they may be permitted by the wisdom and goodness of God. The spirit of discontentment and rebellion must be repressed, and language expressing it must be silenced. JI!. THERE ARE CONSIDERATIONS WHICH MAY ACT AS DISSUASIVES AND CORRECTIVES. 1. The injurious moral effect of murmuring. This is undeniable; we recognize its effect upon: (1) The murmurer himself, whom it renders unhappy, using up energies which might be otherwise and well employed, and unfitting him for the service of God. (2) Upon society generally; for the habit is most contagious, and is one which pro- duces a very depressing elfect upon all who yield to it and upon all who listen to their dismal complaints. 2. The dishonour done to God's providence. In fact, to murmur is to call into question, or at all events to cast some sugpicion upon, God's wisdom, goodness, purposes of benevolence concerning us, and interest in and care for us. 11. Christ's example should deter his followers from murmuring. How cheerful was bis demeanour! how acquiescent was he in the humiliation of bis lot! bow patient in sulfering ! how submissive in death and sacrifice! Followers and disciples of Jesus arc inconsistent indeed when they give way to a spirit of complaint. 4. Murmuri11g is inconsistent with the proper exercises of religion. It cannot contribute to obedience; it is not consistent with giving of thanks and with praise; it is not the fruit of prayer. 5. The hope of the future should banish murmuring. 'l'he occasions for complaint-the trials of the earthly life-will soon be over. Let them have their way and do their work now. The prospect before us is one which may well inspire a contented, patient, uncomplaining disposition and habit, PRACTICAL LESSONS AND APPLICATION. 1. The admonition of the text is the voice of Divine authority : how dare we resist it? 2. It is the voice of wisdom and _ reason: why should we resist it? 3. It is the voice of love and persuasion: how can r we re'sist it'? "Be careful for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God." "Some murmur, when their sky is cleo.r And wholly bright to \"iew, If one smnll speck of dark 11ppear In their great heaven of l!lue; And some with thankful love are filled If bnt one streal< of light, One ray of God's good mercy, gild 'fhe darkness of their night. "In palaces are hearts thl\t ask, In discontent and pride. Why life is such a dreary task. And all things good denied. A nri hearts in poorest buts admire How love has in their aid (Love that not ever seems to tire) Such rich provision made." (Trench.)  THE FlRSl' EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS. [cR. L 1-33,