Matthew 11:18

Neither eating. As a Nazirite (see on ch. 3:4), John refrained from the feasting and drinking in which others freely engaged, and probably expected his disciples to emulate his example. Luke has, “neither eating bread nor drinking wine” (Luke 7:33).

The abstemious and somewhat austere personal life of John had little appeal for the people as a whole. Many apparently dismissed him as a fanatic and made this their excuse for not seeking repentance and not being baptized at his hand. What really displeased great numbers of people was the Baptist’s rebuke of their licentious excesses, a rebuke implicit in his exemplary life and probably explicit in his teaching. To this class of people the religion and way of life for which John stood seemed mournful. They tired of being reminded continually that they stood in need of repentance. To them, John’s call was a call to mourning, and they did not feel like responding (see on Matt. 11:17).

He hath a devil. That is, demon possessed, or simply, insane (see on Mark 1:23). This was the same charge brought by the religious leaders against Christ (see on Matt. 9:34).

In both cases it was merely an excuse for not accepting a message that called for repentance and a new way of life.