Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 11:8

"But what went ye out to see? a man clothed in soft [raiment]? Behold, they that wear soft [raiment] are in king`s houses." — Matthew 11:8 (ASV)

Did you see a man of courtly manners, costly dress, pompous diction, and delicate expressions? Was John a court preacher, fit to flatter royal ladies? If so, how did he come to be in the wilderness? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.

John was hated for his plain rebukes, and revenge against him burned in the heart of one near the throne because he did not know how to be silent in the presence of royal sin. John the Baptist was not in the palace; he had been promoted to the prison. His style had grated on the ear of a shameless princess, for he did not know how to speak soft words like those who are clothed in soft raiment. Thus does our Lord bear witness to John, who came to be His witness.