Korach, the son of Yitzhar, the son of Kehat, the son of Levi, took a bold step and they rose up before Moses (Num. 16:1-2)
Being proud of an illustrious ancestry is well and good if it causes a person to be humbled in comparison, and spurs him on to emulate his forbears’ example. Korach, however, was merely arrogant and full of pride, as are many people of noble lineage.... (Rabbi Naftali of Ropshitz)
A person who is broadminded will not respond to taunts, as he is mature enough to disregard them. By contrast, a person who is narrow-minded is unable to tolerate anything that goes against his will, and becomes immediately angered like a young child. In Chasidic terms, unity is derived from “broadness of the intellect”; controversy results from “smallness of intellect.” (Maamarei Admor HaZakein)
And Moses sent to call Datan and Aviram (Num. 16:12)
It states in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 106): “From this we learn that one should not ‘hold on’ to controversy.” Even if several attempts to make peace have been made without success, it is forbidden to throw up one’s hands and assume that nothing more can be done. Rather, one must continue one’s efforts until peace is attained. Thus despite the fact that Moses had already spoken to Datan and Aviram several times, he attempted one more time to dissuade them. (Rabbi Yitzchak of Vorky)
Will you assume to make yourself also ruler over us (Num. 16:13)
Because Moses was in the position of Nasi, leader of the entire Jewish people, he had to comport himself in a certain manner so that his words would be accepted. And yet, as the Torah testifies, his innermost nature was extremely humble. This is in contrast to a person who outwardly bows and scrapes the dust to prove his humility, yet inwardly feels arrogant and superior. (Rabbi Moshe of Kovrin)
The censers of these sinners against their own lives (Num. 17:3)
Even worse than those who encourage conflict are people who drag matters of the spirit into controversy. They falsely clothe their arguments in spiritual terms while claiming to be on the side of holiness and sanctity. (Ayala Shlucha)