Complaining is a common human behavior, often stemming from dissatisfaction and frustration. However, the Bible offers numerous teachings that caution against a complaining spirit, encouraging us to adopt attitudes of gratitude, patience, and trust in God. Complaining can hinder our spiritual growth and affect our relationships, while a grateful heart aligns us more closely with God’s will. Here are 30 Bible verses about complaining, each accompanied by a brief commentary to provide deeper understanding and reflection.
1. Philippians 2:14-15
“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
Complaining tarnishes our witness. This verse urges believers to avoid complaining and arguing, highlighting that a positive, complaint-free attitude reflects our status as God’s children and allows us to shine as lights in the world.
2. 1 Corinthians 10:10
“Nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.”
Complaining leads to destructive consequences. This verse references the Israelites’ complaints during their wilderness journey, warning that such behavior can lead to negative outcomes and divine judgment.
3. James 5:9
“Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!”
Grumbling invites judgment. This verse cautions against grumbling against others, reminding us that God, the ultimate Judge, is aware of our actions and attitudes, and will hold us accountable.
4. Exodus 16:8
“Also Moses said, ‘This shall be seen when the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to the full; for the Lord hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the Lord.'”
Complaining is ultimately against God. This verse shows that the Israelites’ complaints about their situation were seen as complaints against God Himself, highlighting that dissatisfaction often reflects a lack of trust in God’s provision.
5. Numbers 11:1
“Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp.”
Complaining displeases God. This verse illustrates how the Israelites’ complaints angered God, resulting in severe consequences, demonstrating that complaining can provoke God’s displeasure and discipline.
6. Psalm 106:25
“But complained in their tents, and did not heed the voice of the Lord.”
Ignoring God leads to complaints. This verse recounts how the Israelites’ complaints stemmed from their disobedience and lack of faith, showing the connection between not listening to God and developing a complaining spirit.
7. Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
Speak words that build up, not tear down. This verse encourages us to use our words to edify and impart grace, rather than complain or speak negatively, fostering a positive and uplifting environment.
8. Psalm 77:3
“I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed.”
Complaining overwhelms the spirit. This verse reflects how dwelling on complaints can lead to a sense of spiritual overwhelm and distress, emphasizing the importance of focusing on God’s faithfulness instead.
9. Lamentations 3:39
“Why should a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?”
Reflect on personal responsibility. This verse challenges us to consider our own actions and sins before complaining about our circumstances, encouraging self-reflection and repentance.
10. Proverbs 21:19
“Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman.”
Complaining creates a hostile environment. This proverb highlights the negative impact of living with a contentious person, suggesting that a complaining attitude can make a home or relationship unbearable.
11. Job 10:1
“My soul loathes my life; I will give free course to my complaint, I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.”
Expressing pain through complaint. Job’s complaint reflects deep personal suffering, showing that while expressing pain is natural, it’s crucial to seek comfort and trust in God rather than dwell in bitterness.
12. Jude 1:16
“These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.”
Grumbling reflects selfish desires. This verse warns about people who complain and grumble as a manifestation of their selfish desires, highlighting the self-centered nature of such behavior.
13. Proverbs 19:3
“The foolishness of a man twists his way, and his heart frets against the Lord.”
Blaming God for our troubles. This verse illustrates how foolishness leads to a twisted path, causing people to fret and complain against God, instead of recognizing their own errors.
14. Psalm 142:2
“I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble.”
Direct complaints to God. This verse shows David pouring out his complaints to God, emphasizing that it’s acceptable to bring our grievances to God in prayer, seeking His help and comfort.
15. 1 Peter 4:9
“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”
Hospitality without complaint. This verse encourages us to show hospitality and kindness to others without complaining, promoting a spirit of generosity and warmth.
16. Numbers 14:27
“How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who complain against Me? I have heard the complaints which the children of Israel make against Me.”
God hears all complaints. This verse reflects God’s frustration with the Israelites’ constant complaints, highlighting that God is always aware of our attitudes and words.
17. Philippians 4:6
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
Replace anxiety with prayer. This verse encourages us to turn to prayer and thanksgiving instead of anxiety and complaints, fostering a positive and trusting relationship with God.
18. Isaiah 29:24
“These also who erred in spirit will come to understanding, and those who complained will learn doctrine.”
Learning replaces complaints. This verse offers hope that those who complain out of misunderstanding will come to learn and understand God’s ways, transforming their attitudes.
19. Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
Forgive instead of complain. This verse encourages us to bear with and forgive each other’s faults, promoting harmony and reducing the tendency to complain about others.
20. Exodus 17:3
“And the people thirsted there for water, and the people complained against Moses, and said, ‘Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?'”
Complaints stem from lack of trust. This verse highlights how the Israelites’ complaints against Moses arose from their lack of trust in God’s provision and care.
21. Luke 5:30
“And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, ‘Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?'”
Complaints can reveal self-righteousness. This verse shows the Pharisees complaining about Jesus’ actions, reflecting their self-righteous attitudes and lack of understanding of His mission.
22. Psalm 44:24
“Why do You hide Your face, and forget our affliction and our oppression?”
Expressing feelings of abandonment. This verse captures a heartfelt complaint to God, expressing a feeling of being forgotten, yet ultimately seeking His presence and intervention.
23. Numbers 11:4
“Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: ‘Who will give us meat to eat?'”
Complaining fueled by cravings. This verse illustrates how the Israelites’ complaints were driven by their cravings and dissatisfaction, highlighting the need to trust in God’s provision.
24. Psalm 73:13-14
“Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning.”
Feeling disheartened by struggles. This verse reflects Asaph’s moment of complaint, feeling that his efforts were in vain due to his struggles, yet it leads to a deeper understanding of God’s justice.
25. Matthew 20:11
“And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner.”
Complaints about fairness. This verse is part of the parable of the workers in the vineyard, highlighting how complaints often arise from perceived injustices, rather than gratitude for what is given.
26. Psalm 55:17
“Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.”
Turn complaints into prayer. This verse encourages turning complaints into consistent prayers, trusting that God hears and responds to our cries.
27. Deuteronomy 1:27
“And you complained in your tents, and said, ‘Because the Lord hates us, He has brought us out of the land of Egypt to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.'”
Complaints arise from misunderstanding God’s intentions. This verse reflects the Israelites’ mistaken belief that God intended harm, showing how complaints can stem from misunderstanding His purposes.
28. 2 Chronicles 35:21
“But he sent messengers to him, saying, ‘What have I to do with you, king of Judah? I come against you this day, but against the house with which I have war. For God commanded me to make haste. Refrain from meddling with God, who is with me, lest He destroy you.’ However, Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself so that he might fight with him, and did not heed the words of Necho from the mouth of God.”
Ignoring warnings can lead to complaints. This verse shows how ignoring God’s guidance can lead to unnecessary conflict and complaints, urging us to listen and heed divine instruction.
29. Psalm 102:1
“Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come to You.”
Seek God in distress. This verse encourages us to bring our complaints and distress directly to God in prayer, seeking His help and comfort.
30. John 6:43
“Jesus therefore answered and said to them, ‘Do not murmur among yourselves.'”
Stop murmuring and trust Jesus. This verse captures Jesus’s response to those who were murmuring about His teachings, urging them to cease their complaints and place their trust in Him.
These verses collectively highlight the negative impact of complaining and the importance of cultivating trust, gratitude, and patience. They encourage us to bring our concerns to God in prayer, seek understanding, and foster a positive, faith-filled attitude.
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