An old countryman once gave me some good advice which I have never forgotten!

(John Colwell, "Little Foxes; The Little Sins That Mar the Christian Character" 1882)

"Catch the foxes — the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes!" Song of Songs 2:15 

"Do not grumble!" James 5:9 

The grumbling fox is known by his constant growl and discontent. 

An old countryman once gave me some good advice which I have never forgotten. "There are two things," said he, "at which you should never grumble — first, at things which you can change; and, secondly, at things which you cannot change. 
If you can change them — then change them. 
And if you cannot change them — then leave them alone."

"Why, then, we shall never grumble at anything," I replied.

"Exactly so!" said he.


"He has heard your grumbling against Him. You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD!" Exodus 16:8