Address to Complainers
J. Burns, D. D. Lamentations 3:38-39 Out of the mouth of the most High proceeds not evil and good?… I. THE NATURE OF SINFUL COMPLAINTS. 1. Complaints as to our situation in life. Not satisfied with our lot. Not content with the bounties of providence. 2. Complaints as to providential visitations. Disappointments in business, blighted prospects, loss of friends, seasons of affliction, etc. 3. Complaints as to spiritual sorrows. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, etc. 4. Disappointed prayers and expectations. David, for his child; Paul, for the removal of the thorn. II. THE EVIL OF SUCH COMPLAINTS. 1. It is a sin against reason. Who so fit to manage for us as God? 2. It is a sin against goodness. Then how ungrateful to complain! 3. It is a sin against Divine faithfulness and truth. God's declarations run thus, that "He will withhold no good thing from them that walk uprightly." "My God shall supply all your need," etc. Now to complain is the essence of unbelief, the essence of distrust. 4. It is a sin especially against Divine condescension and abounding mercy. 5. It is a sin fraught with evil consequences to ourselves. It must incur God's righteous displeasure. See the fire of the Lord consuming the Israelites in the camp (Numbers 11:1). And for what? They complained against the Lord. See, also, Jude 1:16. It deprives of all the enjoyment of Divine goodness. III. THE REMEDY FOR SINFUL COMPLAINTS. 1. Look within yourselves. See your utter unworthiness. 2. Look abroad. You are poor; others are destitute, naked, starving. You are afflicted, but how lightly! (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good? WEB: Doesn't evil and good come out of the mouth of the Most High?