Verse 16. These are murmurers. The word here used does not elsewhere occur, though the word murmur is frequent, Mt 20:11; Lu 5:30; Joh 6:41,43,61; 8:32; 1 Co 10:10.

Comp. Joh 7:12; Ac 6:1; Php 2:14; 1 Pe 4:9. The sense is that of repining or complaining under the allotments of Providence, or finding fault with God's plans, and purposes, and doings.

Complainers. Literally, finding fault with one's own lot (memqimoiroi.) The word does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament; the thing often occurs in this world. Nothing is more common than for men to complain of their lot; to think that it is hard; to com- pare theirs with that of others, and to blame God for not having made their circumstances different. The poor complain that they are not rich like others; the sick that they are not well; the enslaved that they are not free; the bereaved that they are deprived of friends; the ugly that they are not beautiful; those in humble life that their lot was not east among the great and the gay. The virtue that is opposed to this is contentment -- a virtue of inestimable value. See Barnes "Php 4:11".

Walking after their own lusts. Giving unlimited indulgence to their appetites and passions. See Barnes "2 Pe 3:3".

And their mouth speaketh great swelling words. See Barnes "2 Pe 2:18".

Having men's persons in admiration. Showing great respect to certain persons, particularly the rich and the great. The idea is, that they were not just in the esteem which they had for others, or that they did not appreciate them according to their real worth, but paid special attention to one class in order to promote their selfish ends.

Because of advantage. Because they hoped to derive some benefit to themselves.

{+} "advantage" "For gain's sake"