The children of Israel grumbled against the Lord a couple of times. They complained about the lack of water. They also complained about the manna. At some other times, they targeted Moses directly. Aaron and Mirian detested him for marrying an Ethiopian woman. Korah and his 250-man company accused him of excesses, claiming they also could do what he was doing. The grumbling was not without consequences. Miriam was struck with leprosy for a week, and Moses had to intercede for her. Korah and his company died strangely as the ground caved in under them. They were buried alive! These were the examples that Paul referred to when writing to the Corinthians. “And we must not embrace their ways by complaining—grumbling with discontent, as many of them did, and were killed by the destroyer!” (1 Corinthians 10:10 TPT).

“Whether against the Lord, His anointed vessels, or any other person in the family of God, grumbling has devastating consequences.

Whether against the Lord, His anointed vessels, or any other person in the family of God, grumbling has devastating consequences. Therefore, James warned that we should not grumble against one another so we will not be condemned. The reason for the warning is because the Judge is at the door. This Judge is the Lord Jesus! His judgment will be fair and comprehensive, including not only what the unjust world has done to His people, but also what His people have done to one another. “And as for you, O My flock, thus says the Lord God: Behold, I judge between sheep and sheep, between the rams and the great he-goats [the malicious and the tyrants of the pasture].” (Ezekiel 34:17 AMPC). Earlier when James wrote to encourage brethren who were short-changed, he drew strength from the Lord’s return. Here again as he warned against murmuring, it was on account of the Lord’s return. I think James would want us to factor the coming of the Lord into everything we do as believers. Living without the consciousness of the Lord’s return is playing the fool.