John Calvin Commentary Philippians 2:14

"Do all things without murmurings and questionings:" — Philippians 2:14 (ASV)

Without murmurings. These are fruits of that humility to which he had exhorted them. For everyone who has learned carefully to submit themselves to God, without claiming anything for themselves, will also conduct themselves agreeably among men. When everyone makes it their concern to please themselves, two faults prevail: First, they slander one another; and secondly, they strive with one another in contentions.

In the first place, accordingly, he forbids malice and secret enmities; and then, secondly, open contentions. He adds, thirdly, that they give no occasion to others to complain of them—a thing which usually arises from excessive moroseness. It is true that hatred is not in all cases to be dreaded, but care must be taken that we do not make ourselves odious through our own fault, so that the saying is fulfilled in us, They hated me without a cause (Psalms 35:19).

If, however, anyone wishes to extend it further, I do not object. For murmurings and disputations spring up whenever anyone, excessively seeking their own advantage, gives others occasion for complaint.

Indeed, this expression may even be taken in an active sense, meaning not troublesome or querulous. And this meaning is by no means inconsistent with the context, for a querulous temper (μεμψιμοιρία) is the seed of almost all quarrels and slanders. He adds sincere, because these pollutions will never come forth from minds that have been purified.