Moses sent spies to provide a report. They returned and reported what they saw. What was their mistake?

Their mistake was similar to Miriam’s. Miriam saw Moses do something she did not understand. But before quietly discussing the issue with him, she shared her distress with their brother, Aaron.

So too, the spies could not understand how the people could conquer this land. They should have asked Moses, who dispatched them there. Instead, they first shared their fears with the people.

We often see people do things we don’t understand, or agree with. Before we go ahead and report it to all willing to listen, we can first talk quietly with those in question.

Likutei Sichot, vol. 18, pg. 145.