喃 is Mandarin for ‘murmur’
On the left is the word ‘mouth’
On the right is the word ‘South’ formed by the elements ‘multiply’ and ‘offense with extra marks to indicate severity’
What is located in the ‘South’?
Located to the south of Israel was the wilderness, a region where life does not prosper (Isa. 30:6).
To the south was Egypt, which opposed God’s power and oppressed His people.
The South is also where God appeared to the Hebrews on Mount Sinai (e.g., Deut. 33:2) and gave them the Law which is holy, impossible for men to keep, and meant to bring men to the end of themselves.
Thus…
To murmur is to use one’s mouth to multiply offence severely. To murmur calls to mind an Egypt bound slave mindset. It causes us to remain in the wilderness and sometimes to suffer further from guilt and condemnation which the Law reflects to us to show us the degree as to why and how we need a saviour in Christ.
Some verses related to ‘murmuring’:
Philippians 2:13-15
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without murmuring and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
James 5:9
Do not murmur, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
1 Peter 4:8-10
Above all, love each other warmly, because love covers many sins. Welcome each other as guests without murmuring. Each of you as a good manager must use the gift that God has given you to serve others.
What should we do instead?
Rejoice
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Philippians 4:4
Keep on rejoicing in the Lord at all times. I will say it again: Keep on rejoicing!
Habakkuk 3:18-19
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.
I will rejoice in the Lord always. Thank you Geri.