DO ALL THINGS WITHOUT
GRUMBLING OR DISPUTING: Panta poieite (2PPAM) choris goggusmonkai
dialogismon:
(3;
Ex 16:7,8;
Nu 14:27;
Ps 106:25;
Mt 20:11;
Mk 14:5;
Acts 6:1;
1Co 10:10;
Js 5:9;
1Pet 4:9;
Jude 1:16)
(Pr 13:10;
15:17,18;
Mk 9:33,34;
Acts 15:2,7,39;
Ro 12:18;
14:1;
16:17;
1Co 1:10-12;
3:3-5;
2Co 12:20;
Gal 5:15,26;
Eph 4:31,32;
1Th 5:13,15;
1Ti 6:3-5;
Heb 12:14;
Js 1:20;
3:14-18;
4:1;
1Pet 3:11)
Do
(4160) (poieo)
expressing an action as continued or not yet completed. Here is where
we run into a potential conflict as we "work out our salvation".
Paul is commanding (present
imperative) that we each make the choice of
our will (active
voice) to continually make this the
habit of our life!
All (3956)
(pas) means all without exception. The Greek reads literally ''all things
do", all being placed first
for emphasis that there are to be no exceptions! .
Without (5565) (choris) means separately and is
from a root word chora which means the space lying
between two places or limits. The picture I get from this word is for
us to put some space between the things we do and our grumbling -- ''stay
away from'' it.
Grumbling
(1112) (goggusmos from goggúzo
= to say anything in a low tone, English = gong) is an audible
expression of an unwarranted dissatisfaction = expression of one's
discontent. Expression in low tones of disapprobation (act or state of
disapproving). Grumbling, grudging, murmuring, complaining (=
making formal accusation or expressing dissatisfaction, resentment,
displeasure or annoyance). It can reflect a a secret debate or secret
displeasure not openly avowed (see use in John 7:12).
Arndt, et al, say that goggusmos
is...
utterance made in a low tone of
voice (the context indicates whether the utterance is one of
discontent or satisfaction), behind-the-scenes talk. (Arndt,
W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New
Testament and Other Early Christian Literature)
Goggusmos is an
onomatopoeic word (two g’s in Greek are pronounced ng)
derived from the sound made when murmuring or muttering in a low and
indistinct voice with the idea of complaint. The English dictionary
defines grumble as complaining in a bad-tempered, nagging or
discontented way or making a low, dull rumbling sounds.
Wuest comments that
goggusmos refers...
not to a loud outspoken
dissatisfaction, but to that undertone murmuring which one sometimes
hears in the lobbies of our present day churches where certain cliques
are “having it out,” so to speak, among themselves. The word refers to
the act of murmuring against men, not God. The use of this word shows
that the divisions among the Philippians had not yet risen to the
point of loud dissension. The word was used of those who confer
secretly, of those who discontentedly complain. The word is found in a
secular document reporting an interview between Marcus Aurelius and a
rebel. A veteran present interposes with the remark, “Lord, while you
are sitting in judgment, the Romans are murmuring.”
(Wuest,
K. S. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Studies in
the Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament: Grand Rapids: Eerdmans)
In secular Greek there is a use of
goggusmos
"describing grumbling
dissatisfaction at disappointed expectations." (TDNT adds) "The idea
is that a supposedly legitimate claim is not met. What is denoted is a
strong personal attitude." (Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G.
W.
Theological Dictionary of the New
Testament.
Eerdmans)
Barclay adds that...
It describes the low, threatening,
discontented muttering of a mob who distrust their leaders and are on
the verge of an uprising. (Barclay,
W: The Daily Study Bible Series, Rev. ed. Philadelphia: The
Westminster Press)
Goggusmos is found 4 times
in the NAS (John;
Acts;
Philippians;
1 Peter)
and is translated in the NAS as complaint, 2; grumbling, 2. The KJV
translates it grudging, 1; murmuring, 3.
Goggusmos is found 7 times
in the
Septuagint (LXX) (Ex
16:7, 8 = twice, Ex 16:9, 12, Nu 17:5, 17:10, Isa 58:9) and most
describe the children of Israel in the wilderness and their stubborn
spirit speaking against God in a reprehensible way. Little wonder Paul
commands those who have been born again and have a new nature to
assiduously avoid such an attitude.
The Exegetical Dictionary
has an interesting observation on this word group (so that the
following Scriptural annotations include the verb gogguzo) writing
that...
The subjects of gogguzo are
individuals: in Matt 20:11, the workers in the vineyard; Luke 5:30,
Pharisees and scribes; John 6:41, 43, the Jews; 7:32, the wavering
masses; 6:61, the doubting disciples; 1 Cor 10:10, the people of
Israel during the wanderings in the desert. The persons against which
(kata, pros, peri) grumbling is directed are the householder of Matt
20:11, the disciples in Luke 5:30, Jesus in John 6:41 (43) and 7:32, a
statement of Jesus in John 6:61, and the Lord, against Whom the people
of Israel grumbled, in 1 Cor 10:10. (Balz,
H. R., & Schneider, G. . Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament.
Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans)
John records that when Jesus had
gone to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Booths
there was much grumbling (goggusmos)
among the multitudes (Jews) concerning Him (Jesus); some were saying,
"He is a good man"; others were saying, "No, on the contrary, He leads
the multitude astray." (John 7:12) (Comment: In this use
the idea of goggusmos is not completely negative and can be
defined more as secret talk or whispering)
Commenting on goggusmos in
this passage in John 7 Barclay writes that...
It indicates a kind of growling,
discontented undertone. It is the word used for the grumbling of the
children of Israel in the wilderness when they complained against
Moses. They muttered the complaints they were afraid to utter out
loud. Fear can keep a man from making a clarion call of his faith and
can turn it into an indistinct mutter. The Christian should never be
afraid to tell the world in ringing tones that he believes in Christ.
(Barclay,
W: The Daily Study Bible Series, Rev. ed. Philadelphia: The
Westminster Press)
Luke records the second use of
goggusmos writing in Acts...
Now at this time while the
disciples were increasing in number, a complaint (goggusmos)
arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews,
because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of
food. (Acts 6:1)
Peter records the final use of
goggusmos exhorting the saints to...
Be hospitable to one another
without complaint (goggusmos) (see note
1Peter 4:9) (Comment: John
MacArthur quips that hospitality in the Scriptures knows nothing of
the "Poor Richard's Almanac" mentality that says fish and guests smell
after three days! - from his commentary on
1Peter)
Goggusmos is used 5 times in
the
LXX Exodus 16...
So Moses and Aaron said to all the
sons of Israel, "At evening you will know that the LORD has brought
you out of the land of Egypt;
7 and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, for He hears
your grumblings against the LORD; and what are we, that you
grumble against us?"
8 And Moses said, "This will happen when the LORD gives you meat to
eat in the evening, and bread to the full in the morning; for the LORD
hears your grumblings which you grumble against Him. And what
are we? Your grumblings are not against us but against the
LORD."
9 Then Moses said to Aaron, "Say to all the congregation of the sons
of Israel, 'Come near before the LORD, for He has heard your
grumblings.'"
10 And it came about as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation
of the sons of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and
behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.
11 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
12 "I have heard the grumblings of the sons of Israel; speak to
them, saying, 'At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you
shall be filled with bread; and you shall know that I am the LORD your
God.'" (Exodus 16:6-12)
Why is "grumbling" so bad? What insight does Scripture
give? (cf Jude1:16) The psalmist explains
they
(Israel) despised the pleasant
land. They did not believe in His word but grumbled in their tents.
They did not listen to the voice of the LORD. (Ps 106:24-25)
Paul explains that...
Nor grumble (related verb
gogguzo), as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer (as
some did after the judgment on the rebels who were led by Korah in Nu
16:41-50). (1Cor 10:10)
In this passage unbelief is contrasted with
grumbling! So when we grumble we
are saying God we don't believe God is sovereign and that He is able. We don't believe
He is the Giver of all good gifts. We don't trust Him to work out
all things for our good and for His glory.
Disputing
(1261)
(dialogismos from diá =
through or as a preposition to intensify meaning of +
logizomai
= reckon, take an inventory, conclude; source of our English
dialogue) means literally reasoning through and so to think or reason
with thoroughness and completeness, think out carefully, reason
thoroughly, consider carefully, weighing. It refers to calculated
consideration (good or bad as discussed below). It pictures one
deliberating with one’s self which conveys the basic meaning of inner
reasoning.
“Disputing” implies a
questioning mind and suggests an arrogant attitude by those who assume
they’re always right. Arguing with others in the body of Christ is
disruptive. That’s why Paul spent the first part of chapter 2 on
humility.
To dwell above, with saints we
love, that will be grace and glory
But to live below with saints we know, now that’s a different story!
Dialogismos is used 14 times
in the NAS (Matthew;
Mark;
Luke
6x;
Romans
2x;
1 Corinthians;
Philippians;
1 Timothy;
James)
and is translated as: argument, 1; disputing, 1; dissension, 1;
doubts, 1; motives, 1; opinions, 1; reasonings, 2; speculations, 1;
thoughts, 3; what...were thinking, 2
Dialogismos is used 11 times
in the
Septuagint (LXX) (Ps
40:5, 56:5, 92:5, 94:11, 139:2, 139:20, 146:4, Isa 59:7, Jer 4:14, Lam
3:60-61) Dialogismos often means the perverse, vain thinking which
contemplates destruction (Ps. 94:11), and is turned against God (Jer.
4:14; Isa. 59:7) and against the godly (Ps. 56:5).
Commenting on Phil 2:14,
MacArthur notes that dialogismos...
soon developed the more specific
ideas of questioning, doubting, or disputing the truth of a matter. In
Romans 14:1, the word is used of passing judgment on another
believer’s opinions and in 1 Timothy 2:8 it is rendered “dissension.”
Whereas grumbling is essentially emotional, disputing is essentially
intellectual. A person who continues to murmur and grumble against God
will eventually argue and dispute with Him. (MacArthur,
J. Philippians. Chicago: Moody Press)
Dialogismos can be reflected
outward and audibly (e.g., ‘discussion’, ‘argument’) or inward and
inaudibly, (i.e. ‘consideration in oneself’, ‘thought’, ‘doubts’).
It refers to an opinion and then to a
deliberating and a questioning about what is true as in Luke 24:38.
It is found in the Greek writings from Plato down where it referred to
the thinking of a man deliberating with himself (Lu 2:25, 5:22, 6:8,
9:46ff, Ro 14:1). It was used to describe the reasoning of those who
thought themselves wise (Ro 1:21, 1Cor 3:20). James 2:4 uses it to
mean opinion referring to judges with evil thoughts or who follow
perverse opinions or reprehensible principles.
In a positive sense dialogismos means thoughts and in a negative
it means disputes or arguments.
NIDNTT notes that...
In the NT dialogizomai
(related verb) and dialogismos are always used with a slightly
depreciatory connotation. The thoughts of the human heart do not
necessarily lead, as the Greeks thought, to a knowledge of the truth
(cf. 1 Cor. 1:21-25), but are evil (Mk. 7:21; Matt. 15:19), full of
doubt and suspicion (Mk. 2:6, 8; Lk. 5:22; 6:8), moved by the passing
moment (Lk. 3:15), full of greed (Lk. 12:17; 20:14), always concerned
with the superficial (Mk. 8:16f.; Matt. 16:7f.) and full of sly
calculation (Matt. 11:25; Mk. 11:31).
(NIDNTT adds that) in Phil. 2:14 we
have the questioning (dialogismos) which is the germ of apathy.
(Brown,
Colin, Editor. New International Dictionary of NT Theology. 1986.
Zondervan) (Bolding
added)
The Exegetical Dictionary
notes that...
Even when dialogismos has a
specialized use, the essential connection with the general NT meaning
of doubting or calculating consideration is retained. (Balz,
H. R., & Schneider, G. . Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament.
Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans)
Luke illustrates the uses of
dialogismos...
But Jesus, aware of their
reasonings (dialogismos), answered and said to them, "Why are you
reasoning (dialogizomai = verb form) in your hearts? (Luke 5:22) (Comment:
In the majority of occurrences of the verb dialogizomai is used for
the deliberations of Jesus’ opponents, Mk 2:6, 8, or the
interpersonal deliberations of the disciples, Mk 8:16ff)
But He (Jesus) knew what they (his
opponents) were
thinking (dialogismos), and He said to the man with the
withered hand, "Rise and come forward!" And he rose and came forward.
(Luke 6:8)
And an argument
(dialogismos) arose among them (the disciples) as to which of them might be the
greatest. But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking
(dialogismos) in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side
(Luke 9:46-47)
And He said to them, "Why are you
(disciples at His post-resurrection appearance)
troubled, and why do doubts (dialogismos) arise in your hearts?
(Luke 24:38) (Here dialogismos denotes unspoken thoughts concerning
the truth of what they see, hence ‘questionings’, ‘doubts’)
Vine notes that
dialogismos is...
chiefly in the N.T. in an evil
sense, of reasonings that are the outcome of self-will, reasonings of
the natural mind in independence of God. So in the LXX (e.g., Lam.
3:60), “imaginations.”...Dialogismos sometimes means inward
questioning, sometimes dispute... the inward reasonings which find
expression in controversy and contention. (Vine,
W. Collected Writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson
)
As alluded to above, in the NT, dialogismos is used mainly in an evil sense describing reasoning that
is the outcome of self-will. Here it describes reasoning of the
natural mind in independence of God. In (see note
Romans 1:21) it denotes the false
notions about God, entertained in opposition to the facts revealed
concerning Him in nature. We see this in Matthew's use...
"For out of the heart come evil
thoughts (dialogismos), murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts,
false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man;
but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man." (Mt 15:19-20)
Barclay adds that...
dialogismos describes useless, and
sometimes ill-natured, disputing and doubting. In the Christian life
there is the serenity and the certainty of perfect certainty and
perfect trust. (Regarding the use of dialogismos in 1Ti 2:8 Barclay
comments) "The word used is dialogismos, which can mean both an
argument and a doubt. If we take it in the sense of argument, it
simply repeats what has gone before and restates the fact that
bitterness and quarrels and venomous debates are a hindrance to
prayer. It is better to take it in the sense of doubt. Before prayer
is answered there must be belief that God will answer." Prayer,
Vincent says, “is to be without the element of skeptical criticism,
whether of God’s character and dealings, or of the character and
behavior of those for whom prayer is offered.” (Barclay,
W: The Daily Study Bible Series, Rev. ed. Philadelphia: The
Westminster Press)
MacArthur nicely sums up
Paul's command in Philippians 2:14 writing that...
Every circumstance of life is to be
accepted willingly and joyfully, without murmuring, complaint, or
disappointment, much less resentment. There is no exception. There
should never be either emotional grumbling or intellectual
disputing. It is always sinful for believers to complain about
anything the Lord calls them to do or about any circumstance which He
sovereignly allows. Whether the task is difficult or easy, whether the
situation involves a blessing or a trial, negative attitudes are
forbidden. As he testifies later in this letter, Paul’s own spiritual
growth had led him to enjoy this attitude:
“I have learned to be content in
whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble
means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every
circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going
hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need” (see note
Philippians 4:11-12).
His example shows that such
righteous behavior is possible. (MacArthur,
J. Philippians. Chicago: Moody Press)
><> ><> ><>
Don’t complain; the more you complain
about things the more things you will have to complain about. (E.
Stanley Jones)
Complaining about our lot in life
might seem quite innocent in itself, but God takes it personally. (Erwin
W. Lutzer)
If Christians spent as much
time praying as they do grumbling, they would have nothing to grumble
about.
Murmur at nothing: if our ills are
irreparable, it is ungrateful; if remediless, it is in vain. A Christian
builds his fortitude on a better foundation than stoicism; he is pleased
with everything that happens because he knows it could not happen unless
it had first pleased God, and that which pleases him must be the best.
(Charles Caleb Colton)
Don't complain and talk about all
your problems--80 percent of people don't care; the other 20 percent
will think you deserve them. (Mark Twain)
You will find that, as a rule, those
who complain about the way the ball bounces are usually the ones who
dropped it.
Whenever you find yourself disposed
to uneasiness or murmuring at anything that is the effect of God’s
providence, look upon yourself as denying either the wisdom or goodness
of God. (William Law)
I complained because I had no shoes
until I met a man who had no feet. (Arab proverb)
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.
There is a difference between
groaning and grumbling.
Spurgeon offers an antidote
for a complaining, murmuring spirit writing that...
If we complained less, and
praised more, we should be happier, and God would be more glorified. Let
us daily praise God for common mercies—common as we frequently call
them, and yet so priceless, that when deprived of them we are ready to
perish. Let us bless God for the eyes with which we behold the sun, for
the health and strength to walk abroad, for the bread we eat, for the
raiment we wear. Let us praise him that we are not cast out among the
hopeless, or confined amongst the guilty; let us thank him for liberty,
for friends, for family associations and comforts; let us praise him, in
fact, for everything which we receive from his bounteous hand, for we
deserve little, and yet are most plenteously endowed. But, beloved, the
sweetest and the loudest note in our songs of praise should be of
redeeming love. God’s redeeming acts towards his chosen are for ever the
favourite themes of their praise. If we know what redemption means, let
us not withhold our sonnets of thanksgiving. We have been redeemed from
the power of our corruptions, uplifted from the depth of sin in which we
were naturally plunged. We have been led to the cross of Christ—our
shackles of guilt have been broken off; we are no longer slaves, but
children of the living God, and can antedate the period when we shall be
presented before the throne without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.
Even now by faith we wave the palm-branch and wrap ourselves about with
the fair linen which is to be our everlasting array, and shall we not
unceasingly give thanks to the Lord our Redeemer? Child of God, canst
thou be silent? Awake, awake, ye inheritors of glory, and lead your
captivity captive, as ye cry with David, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and
all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Let the new month begin
with new songs. (Spurgeon, C. H. Morning and Evening: Daily
readings December 1, Evening)
Spurgeon also once said
that...
A heavy wagon was being dragged along
a country lane by a team of oxen. The axles groaned and creaked
terribly, when the oxen turning around thus addressed the wheels, “Hey
there, why do you make so much noise? We bear all the labor, and we—not
you—ought to cry out!” Those complain first in our churches who have
the least to do. The gift of grumbling is largely dispensed among those
who have no other talents, or who keep what they have wrapped up in a
napkin.
Spurgeon also said...
The very word murmur, how simple it
is, made up to two infantile sounds—mur mur. No sense in
it, no wit in it, no thought in it. It is the cry rather of a brute than
of a man. Murmur—just a double groan.
Ten minutes' praying is better than a
year's murmuring.
As long as a man is alive and out of hell, he cannot have any cause to
complain.
On the humorous side of complaining
and grumbling is a story about the cowboy who...
...was driving down a dirt road, his
dog riding in back of the pickup truck, his faithful horse in the
trailer behind. He failed to negotiate a curve and had a terrible
accident.
Sometime later, a highway patrol officer came on the scene. An animal
lover, he saw the horse first. Realizing the serious nature of its
injuries, he drew his service revolver and put the animal out of his
misery. He walked around the accident and found the dog, also hurt
critically. He couldn't bear to hear it whine in pain, so he ended the
dog's suffering as well.
Finally he located the cowboy --who suffered multiple fractures--off in
the weeds. "Hey, are you okay?" the cop asked. The cowboy took one look
at the smoking revolver in the trooper's hand and quickly replied,
"Never felt better!" (Source Unknown)
A BAD HABIT (Our Daily Bread) (Copyright
RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights
reserved)
Most people have a bad habit or two. Some habits are just
irritating, such as talking too much or too fast. Others are
much more serious.
Consider, for example, the
bad habit developed by the people of ancient Israel. They had
just been delivered from slavery (Ex 14:30),
and they ought to have been thankful. Instead, they
started to complain to Moses and Aaron,
"Oh, that we
had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt!" (Ex
16:3).
We read in
Ex 17 that their complaining
escalated into a quarrel. In reality, their
complaint was with God, but they picked a fight with Moses
because he was the leader. They said,
"Why is it you have
brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our
livestock with thirst?" (Ex 17:3).
The people even began
questioning if God was really with them (v.7). Yet He always
met their needs. If we're honest, we would have to admit that we
sometimes complain when God isn't coming through for us the way
we want. We accuse Him of being absent or disinterested. But
when our heart is concerned with God's purposes rather than our
own, we will be patient and trust Him to provide all that we
need. Then we won't develop the bad habit of complaining.
—Albert Lee
