MURMURING

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lust; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.

—Jude 16

3752 The Wilderness March

It is calculated that over one million of the children of Israel died in the wilderness by God’s judgment for their murmurings in forty years.

—Bowes

3753 If God Knows, That’s Enough

When the novelist, Dr. A. J. Cronin, was a practicing physician in a small Welsh mining community, he worked with a remarkable nurse. For more than twenty years Oliven Davies had served the people with competence, patience, and cheerfulness. Her friend, the doctor, resented the inadequate salary with which her selfless work was rewarded.

“Late one night after a particularly strenuous case, I ventured to protest to her as we drank a cup of tea together. “Nurse,” I said, “why don’t you make them pay you more? It’s ridiculous that you should work for so little.” She raised her eyebrows slightly. But she smiled, “I have enough to get along.” “No really,” I protested and persisted, “you ought to have an extra pound a week at least. God knows you’re worth it.”

“There was a pause. Her smile remained but her gaze held a gravity, an intensity, that startled me. “Doctor!” she said, “if God knows I’m worth it, that’s all that matters!””

—Christian Victory

3754 Oxen Face The Wheels

A heavy wagon was being dragged along a country lane by a team of oxen. The wheels groaned and creaked terribly. The oxen turned around and spoke to the wheels: “Hey, there! why do you make so much noise? We bear all the labour, and we, not you, ought to cry out.”

—Fables of Aesop

3755 Epigram On Murmuring

•     To swear is wicked because it is taking God’s name in vain. To murmur is likewise wicked for it takes God’s promises in vain.

•     When in deep water, it’s a good idea to keep your mouth shut.

—St. Louis Labor Tribune

•     There is a difference between groaning and grumbling.

See also: Complaining ; Content ; Rumors ; Talking.