Numbers 12:1-16

"While they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he had married a Cushite woman." v1
People often argue over minor disagreement, leaving the real issue untouched. Such was the case when Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses. They represented the priest and the prophets, the two most powerful groups next to Moses. The real issue was their growing jealousy of Moses' position and influence. Since they could not find fault with the way Moses was leading the people, they chose to criticize his wife. Rather than face the problem squarely by dealing with their envy and pride, they chose to create a diversion from the real issue. When you are in a disagreement, stop and ask yourself if you are arguing over the real issue or if you have introduced a smoke screen by attacking someone's character. If you are unjustly criticized, remember that your critics may be afraid to face the real problem. Don't take this type of criticism personally. Ask God to help you identify the real issue and deal with it.

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible