The Kotzker Rebbe Zt”l remarks that this statement was considered to be one of the sins of the spies. Although it was wrong to be bothered by their own smallness in contrast to the giants of the land, it was also improper to be concerned by the people’s opinion of them. What interest was it to them in what manner they were being viewed by others? The sentiments of others shouldn’t affect a man’s rightous mission. Perhaps we may add that this feeling of inferiority displayed by the spies was the source of their misinterpretation and slanderous views of Eretz Yisroel. One who is insecure and feels ill at ease with his mission in life will often slander and malign those whom he senses are opposed to him. The litmus test of one’s confidence in his convinctions is the ability to maintain an aura of dignity and nobility, without reducing himself to vulgarity and slander in the face of opposition. Intolerace is a reflection of insecurity.
