Grumbling, complaining, and arguing are common human behaviors that happen when we focus on the negatives in life. However, the Bible warns believers against engaging in these damaging attitudes and actions. Here are some key Bible verses that address grumbling and provide wisdom on how to overcome discontentment.
Exodus 16:2-3
In the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
This passage records how the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron shortly after being delivered from slavery in Egypt. Despite God’s miraculous provision and protection, they grumbled and wished to return to captivity because they were hungry.
Exodus 16:8
And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you in the evening meat to eat and in the morning bread to the full, because the Lord has heard your grumbling that you grumble against him—what are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the Lord.”
Moses confronts the Israelites’ sinful grumbling, explaining that their complaining is ultimately against God, who has blessed and sustained them.
Numbers 11:1
And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp.
The Israelites’ grumbling angered God to the point that His fire burned among the outskirts of the camp. Grumbling can have severe consequences.
Numbers 14:27
“How long shall this wicked congregation grumble against me? I have heard the grumblings of the people of Israel, which they grumble against me.
God expresses frustration at Israel’s constant grumbling against Him despite His faithfulness towards them.
Deuteronomy 1:27
And you murmured in your tents and said, ‘Because the Lord hated us he has brought us out of the land of Egypt, to give us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.
Moses recounts how the Israelites grumbled against God and falsely accused Him of malice when they refused to enter the Promised Land.
Psalm 106:25
They murmured in their tents, and did not obey the voice of the Lord.
This psalm recalls how the Israelites grumbled in their tents and disobeyed God during their wilderness wanderings.
Proverbs 19:3
When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord.
Grumbling and complaining often result when we make foolish choices that lead to negative consequences. But instead of humbling ourselves, we rage against God.
Philippians 2:14
Do all things without grumbling or disputing.
Paul instructs believers to serve God and each other with joyful cooperation rather than grumbling and arguing.
James 5:9
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
James warns believers about grumbling against each other, since it brings God’s judgment.
1 Peter 4:9
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Peter encourages serving one another cheerfully. Hospitality should come from a sincere heart, not one that grumbles.
Common Causes of Grumbling
The Bible highlights several roots behind grumbling that believers should be aware of:
- Forgetfulness of God’s past faithfulness and provision (Exodus 16:3)
- Focusing on personal desires rather than God’s will (Numbers 11:4-6)
- Ungratefulness and discontentment (Numbers 11:1)
- Unbelief in God’s promises and abilities (Numbers 14:2-3)
- Pride – believing we know better than God (Numbers 16:41)
Dangers of Grumbling
Grumbling is a dangerous sin believers should strive to avoid for these reasons:
- It angers God (Numbers 11:10)
- It infects others with negativity (Numbers 16:41)
- It concludes evil of God’s motives and ways (Numbers 14:3)
- It fails to acknowledge God’s blessings and provisions
- It magnifies hassles and minimizes God’s power and love
- It impedes unity and destroys community
- It fosters ingratitude, discontentment and bitterness
Overcoming the Sin of Grumbling
Though grumbling comes naturally, Scripture provides guidance on conquering this destructive mindset:
- Repent from grumbling and humbly apologize to those offended (Numbers 12:11)
- Regularly recall and give thanks for God’s blessings (Psalm 105:1-2)
- Pray for contentment amidst trials and inconveniences (Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Timothy 6:6-8)
- Meditate on God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and goodness (Romans 8:28)
- Focus on serving others rather than personal desires (Galatians 5:13-14)
- Encourage and build up others with positive speech (Ephesians 4:29)
Bible Stories About Grumbling
The Israelites Long for Egypt (Exodus 16:2-3)
Shortly after God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, they grumbled about missing the food they had in slavery. God responded by miraculously providing manna and quail.
Complaining About Water (Exodus 15:22-25)
At Marah, the people grumbled about bitter water. God provided sweet water, teaching that obedience brings blessing.
Korah’s Rebellion (Numbers 16)
Korah led rebellion against Moses’ leadership by grumbling. Judgment fell on the complainers.
Fire at Taberah (Numbers 11:1-3)
Israel complained about hardship. God’s fire burned the outskirts of the camp in judgment.
Twelve Spies Give Report (Numbers 13:25-14:4)
After scouting Canaan, ten spies gave a bad report that led to grumbling. Israel wandered 40 years.
Miriam and Aaron Oppose Moses (Numbers 12)
Miriam and Aaron complained against Moses’ leadership. Miriam was struck with leprosy in punishment.
Biblical Examples of Contentment
Though all people struggle with discontentment, some biblical figures modeled godly contentment:
- Paul – Learned contentment despite hardships (Philippians 4:10-13).
- Job – Did not curse God amidst extreme suffering (Job 1:20-22).
- Abraham – Patiently waited for God’s promised son (Hebrews 6:15).
- Joseph – Did not grow bitter despite being sold by his brothers (Genesis 45:5-8).
- David – Had peace in God rather than envying the wicked (Psalm 37:16).
Promises for the Discontented
When feeling discontent, believers can claim these promises:
- God satisfies the longing soul (Psalm 107:9)
- Those who hope in God will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31)
- God’s grace is sufficient amidst trials (2 Corinthians 12:9)
- God will supply every need (Philippians 4:19)
- The joy of the Lord provides strength (Nehemiah 8:10)
- God works all things for our good (Romans 8:28)
Prayers for Overcoming Discontentment
Discontentment is conquered through prayer. Believers can pray:
- Search me and reveal any sinful motives in my heart (Psalm 139:23-24)
- Renew a heart of gratitude within me (Psalm 51:10)
- Help me focus on serving you and others (Matthew 20:26-28)
- Increase my faith in your goodness and provision (Mark 9:24)
- Fill me with your enduring peace (John 14:27, Philippians 4:7)
- Satisfy me each morning with your unfailing love (Psalm 90:14)
Bible Verses to Meditate On When Grumbling
Quoting, praying, and meditating on Scripture helps overcome discontentment. Verses to reflect on include:
- Oh give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 107:1)
- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
- The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)
- Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
- But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)
- I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13)
In Closing
Grumbling and complaining are destructive, sinful habits that destroy unity and hinder God’s work in our lives. But by overcoming discontent through prayer, Scripture, gratitude, and service, believers can live out God’s higher call to encourage others, honor Christ, and shine as lights in a complaining culture.