Complaining is a common struggle many Christians face. Though trials and suffering are guaranteed in this broken world (John 16:33), Scripture calls us to refrain from grumbling and instead trust God in all circumstances. Here is an overview of some key Bible passages on this topic:
Exodus and Numbers – Israel’s complaining in the wilderness
After God miraculously delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt, they spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness because of their disobedience and lack of faith. Though God graciously provided for them, they responded with frequent complaining:
- Exodus 15:24 – At Marah they complained about the bitter water.
- Exodus 16:2-3 – In the Desert of Sin they complained about lack of food.
- Exodus 17:1-3 – At Rephidim they complained about lack of water.
- Numbers 11:1 – They complained about misfortunes and God’s anger burned against them.
- Numbers 11:4-6 – They wept and complained about the manna, longing for the food of Egypt.
- Numbers 14:2-3 – At Kadesh Barnea they complained about entering the Promised Land.
- Numbers 16:41 – The people complained against Moses and Aaron after the rebellion of Korah.
Israel’s complaining demonstrated a lack of faith in God’s promises and provision. Their grumbling provoked His anger (Psalm 106:25) and led to severe consequences.
Proverbs – Warnings against complaining
Several Proverbs warn against the foolishness of complaint and grumbling:
- Proverbs 10:8 – “The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.”
- Proverbs 17:28 – “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”
- Proverbs 19:3 – “When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord.”
- Proverbs 21:23 – “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
- Proverbs 25:24 – “It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.”
- Proverbs 27:15 – “A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike.”
- Proverbs 29:11 – “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”
These verses teach that complaining and grumbling often lead to further trouble. Wisdom involves restraint of the tongue and patient endurance through hardship.
Philippians 2:14-15 – Do all things without grumbling
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:14-15).
Paul commands the church to serve God and each other with joyful hearts, not grumbling or arguing. By avoiding complaint, Christians remain above reproach and shine as lights that point to Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:10 – Do not grumble as Israel did
Nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer (1 Corinthians 10:10).
Paul reminds the Corinthian church of Israel’s complaining in the wilderness that led to God’s judgment. Their example should warn believers against repeating the same sin.
James 5:9 – Do not grumble against one another
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door (James 5:9).
James calls Christians to patience and avoidance of complaint against fellow believers. Such grumbling is sinful and invites God’s judgment.
1 Peter 4:8-9 – Show hospitality without grumbling
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling (1 Peter 4:8-9).
One way believers can demonstrate Christ-like love is by opening their homes to others without complaint. This reflects God’s gracious hospitality toward us in Christ.
Ephesians 4:29 – No corrupting talk
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29).
Complaining words tear down rather than build up. As God’s people, we are called to speak in ways that build up others and impart grace.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Instead of grumbling, Scripture commands us to maintain an attitude of joy, prayer, and thanksgiving in all situations. This is only possible by God’s grace as we walk in fellowship with Christ.
Contentment and thankfulness
A key antidote to a complaining spirit is developing contentment and thankfulness:
- 1 Timothy 6:6 – “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
- Hebrews 13:5 – “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have.”
- Philippians 4:11-12 – “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
- Colossians 3:15-17 – “And be thankful. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
- Psalm 107:1 – “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”
Choosing gratitude and contentment prevents grumbling and testimony to God’s goodness and faithfulness.
Benefits of avoiding complaining and grumbling
Scripture highlights several blessings that come from resisting a complaining attitude:
- Avoids God’s judgment and discipline (1 Corinthians 10:10)
- Prevents further trouble and quarreling (Proverbs 17:28, 29:11)
- Allows us to shine as lights and remain above reproach (Philippians 2:14-15)
- Shows love that covers over sins (1 Peter 4:8)
- Builds up others with gracious speech (Ephesians 4:29)
- Fosters contentment and thankfulness (1 Timothy 6:6)
- Brings glory to Christ in all things (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Cautions about complaining
The Bible offers several sobering warnings about the seriousness of complaining and grumbling:
- Complaining provokes God’s anger and judgment (Psalm 106:25, 1 Corinthians 10:10)
- Grumbling demonstrates a lack of faith in God’s goodness and provision (Exodus 16:2-3)
- Complaint often leads to further discontentment and greater trouble (Proverbs 29:11)
- Grumbling can become a contagious and destructive sin among groups (Numbers 14:2-4)
- Foolish complaining ignores the wisdom and benefits of patience (Proverbs 19:3)
- Grumbling against others fosters division and damages Christian unity (James 5:9)
- Complaint is incompatible with the joy, prayer and thanksgiving God desires (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
The sobering reality of these dangers should motivate us to take complaint seriously and pursue contentment in Christ instead.
Overcoming a complaining spirit
How can believers overcome a tendency to complain? Scripture offers several key instructions:
- Repent – Recognize complaining as sin and humbly ask God’s forgiveness (Psalm 51:4).
- Keep in step with the Spirit – Be filled with the Holy Spirit rather than fleshly desires (Galatians 5:16-17).
- Set your mind on Christ – Fill your thoughts with praiseworthy truths rather than grievances (Philippians 4:8).
- Give thanks – Cultivate gratitude to God in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
- Trust God’s sovereignty – Remember He is in control and working all things for your good (Romans 8:28).
- Be content – Find satisfaction in what God has provided (Philippians 4:11-12).
- Rejoice in hope – Fix your eyes on eternity with Christ (Romans 5:2, 12:12).
Through the empowering of the Spirit and continual renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2), God enables us to overcome grumbling with rejoicing as we walk with Christ.
Examples of godly responses to trials
While Scripture gives many warnings against complaining, it also provides positive examples of how godly people responded to difficult trials:
- Job – After losing everything, Job worshipped God and said “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:20-21).
- David – When facing adversaries who repay evil for good, David committed himself “to the Lord” and “trusted in him” for deliverance (Psalm 38:12-15).
- Habakkuk – Though dismayed at God’s plans for judgment, Habakkuk chose to wait quietly for the day of trouble and rejoice in the Lord (Habakkuk 3:16-18).
- Paul – Despite a “thorn in the flesh”, Paul boasted in his weaknesses so that God’s power could rest on him (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
- Jesus – Facing the agony of the cross for sinners, Jesus submitted to His Father’s will and endured suffering to bring salvation (Matthew 26:39).
Like these examples, believers today can respond to difficulties with worship, trust, joy and submission to God’s greater purposes.
Prayers for endurance and contentment
It can be helpful to pray Scripture passages related to complaining back to God. Prayers might include:
- Lord, “Search me and know my heart!…And see if there be any grievous way in me” (Psalm 139:23-24). Reveal any complaining in my heart.
- Father, grant me “the strength to endure” hard times with joy (Colossians 1:11).
- God, “teach me the way I should go” when I face trials (Psalm 143:8). Guard me from grumbling.
- Lord, “put a new and right spirit within me” of thanksgiving (Psalm 51:10).
- Father, help me be “content in whatever situation” and rely on Christ’s strength (Philippians 4:11,13).
- God, keep me from complaining and fill my mind with “whatever is true… honorable…just…pure…lovely…commendable” (Philippians 4:8).
- Lord, make me “strong and courageous” through hardship, not fearful or complaining (Joshua 1:9).
Crying out to God through Scripture transforms complaining into opportunities for increased dependence and rejoicing in the Lord.
Final thoughts on complaining
Complaining is a grievous sin that reveals a heart in need of further transformation by God’s grace. But Scripture offers great hope that believers can increasingly overcome grumbling with contentment, joy and gratitude as they look to Christ.
Key principles include repenting of complaint, trusting God’s goodness, setting minds on eternal perspective, practicing gratitude, relying on God’s strength and following biblical examples of godly endurance. As Christians, we can rest in God’s sovereignty and walk in His Spirit so that complaining is replaced with rejoicing in all situations.
Rather than give in to the temptation to complain about hard circumstances, believers have the privilege to continually give thanks to God and testify to His sustaining grace even in trials. When we refuse grumbling and embrace gratitude, we “shine as lights in the world” that bring glory to Christ (Philippians 2:14-15).