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How could the spies bring themselves to speak derogatorily about the
Land, when they observed its goodness and merited returning unscathed?
The Zohar states that they wished to prevent Bnei Yisrael’s entry into
Eretz Yisrael, for then a king would be appointed to lead the nation,
demoting them from their posts.
The story of Rut and Orpah illustrates how the degree of one’s love of
Hashem affects his decisions. Orpah turned her heel upon her
mother-in-law, choosing to return to her father’s house. She begot the
wicked Goliat. In contrast, Rut clung to Naomi, and she merited being the
progenitor of David Hamelech. Orpah failed miserably, for ahavat
Hashem was not at the forefront of her consciousness. But Rut was filled
with love of Hashem, and therefore, when faced with the choice of
temporary, ephemeral happiness or everlasting life, she gladly chose the
latter.

As long as the Nesi’im were in the camp of Hashem, they were not
consumed by arrogance. But as soon as they stepped out of this spiritual
hothouse, they succumbed to the temptation of personal glory. Their
flawed ahavat Hashem brought about their downfall.