Complaining and murmuring are addressed throughout the Bible, often with warnings. The Israelites’ complaints in the wilderness led to negative consequences, reminding us of the dangers of a grumbling spirit. We’ll explore how Scripture teaches us to approach challenges with faith and gratitude, rather than constant complaints.
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What Does The Bible Say About Murmuring And Complaining
Philippians 2:14
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and avoiding the temptation to complain or argue. It encourages us to approach every situation with gratitude and contentment, trusting that God is in control.
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
This verse emphasizes the need to monitor our words and speak in ways that encourage and uplift others. Instead of complaining or murmuring, we should use our speech to build others up and bring blessings into their lives.
1 Peter 4:9
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
This verse reminds us to welcome others with open arms and without grumbling. It teaches us the value of practicing hospitality and extending kindness and love to those around us, even when it may require sacrifice on our part.
James 5:9
“Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!”
This verse serves as a warning against grumbling and complaining about our fellow believers. It reminds us that God is the ultimate judge and that we should strive to live in harmony and love, treating others with kindness and grace instead of engaging in negative speech.
Numbers 14:27
“How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites.”
In this verse, we see the consequences of murmuring and complaining. God hears the complaints of the Israelites and is deeply displeased with their negative attitudes. It reminds us that our complaints do not go unnoticed by God and that we should strive to have a heart of gratitude and trust in His plans for us.
1 Corinthians 10:10
“And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.”
This verse references the Israelites in the wilderness who complained and grumbled against God and His provisions. As a result, they faced severe consequences. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of murmuring and complaining and the importance of cultivating a grateful heart.
Exodus 16:8
“You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.”
When the Israelites grumbled about their circumstances in the wilderness, Moses pointed out that their complaints were ultimately against the Lord. This verse highlights the seriousness of murmuring and complaining, as it reflects a lack of trust and gratitude towards God.
John 6:41
“Then the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.’”
This verse showcases the tendency of the Jews to grumble when Jesus proclaimed Himself as the bread from heaven. It serves as a reminder that grumbling can hinder our ability to fully understand and receive the blessings and truths that God desires to reveal to us.
1 Timothy 6:6
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
In this verse, godliness and contentment are elevated as qualities that bring great benefit. It encourages us to find satisfaction and fulfillment in our relationship with God rather than engaging in murmuring and complaining.
Proverbs 19:3
“A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the LORD.”
This verse highlights the self-destructive nature of murmuring and complaining. It reveals that our own foolishness often leads to our downfall, yet we tend to blame God instead of taking responsibility for our actions.
Psalm 106:25
“They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the LORD.”
This verse depicts the Israelites murmuring and complaining in their tents rather than obeying God’s commands. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of obedience and trust in God rather than giving in to negative attitudes and complaints.
Deuteronomy 1:27
“And you grumbled in your tents and said, ‘The LORD hates us; so he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us.’”
Here, the Israelites express their belief that the Lord hated them, attributing their difficult circumstances to His displeasure. This verse serves as a reminder of how murmuring and complaining can lead to distorted thinking and a lack of trust in God’s goodness.
James 3:9-10
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
This verse emphasizes the inconsistency and negativity that arises when we use our words to both praise God and curse our fellow human beings. It calls us to guard our tongues and refrain from complaining or murmuring against others.
Exodus 15:24
“So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, ‘What are we to drink?’”
In this verse, the Israelites grumble against Moses due to the lack of water. It illustrates how complaining can lead to a lack of trust in God’s provision and a focus on our immediate circumstances rather than His faithfulness.
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
This verse encourages contentment and trust in God’s provision rather than seeking after worldly possessions. It reminds us of God’s promise to always be with us and calls us to find peace and satisfaction in His presence.
Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of allowing God’s peace to govern our hearts and minds. It encourages us to cultivate an attitude of thankfulness, which counters the temptation to complain or murmur against others.
Proverbs 17:22
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
This verse reminds us of the power of a joyful heart and the positive impact it has on our overall well-being. It encourages us to choose joy over murmurings and complaints, understanding that a cheerful heart brings health and vitality.
Psalm 34:1
“I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”
This verse exhorts us to continually praise the Lord and have His praises on our lips. It serves as a reminder to focus on God’s goodness rather than grumbling and complaining about our circumstances.
Psalm 106:13
“But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold.”
This verse speaks of the Israelites’ tendency to quickly forget God’s past faithfulness and become impatient when waiting for His plans to unfold. It teaches us the importance of patience and trust in God’s timing, rather than succumbing to murmuring and complaining.
Philippians 4:11
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
This verse highlights Paul’s ability to find contentment in any situation, regardless of his circumstances. It encourages us to adopt a similar mindset and trust in God’s provision, rather than grumbling or complaining when things do not go as planned.
Job 1:22
“In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.”
In the midst of great suffering and loss, Job did not sin by accusing God of wrongdoing. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a humble and trusting attitude towards God, even in difficult times, rather than murmuring or complaining.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
This verse encourages us to live our lives in a way that brings glory to God and express gratitude to Him in all we say and do. By focusing on gratitude, we are less inclined to complain or murmur about our circumstances.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
This verse reminds us that God is always at work for the good of those who love Him. It encourages us to trust in His divine plan and purpose, even in difficult situations, rather than falling into murmuring or complaining.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
In this verse, we are called to give thanks in all circumstances, recognizing that it is God’s will for us. It challenges us to replace murmuring and complaining with a heart of gratitude, knowing that God’s plans are always perfect.
Matthew 12:36
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
This verse reminds us of the weight and significance of our words. It encourages us to be mindful of our speech, avoiding murmuring or complaining, as we will be held accountable for every word we speak.
Lamentations 3:39
“Why should the living complain when punished for their sins?”
This verse challenges the notion of complaining when faced with the consequences of our actions. It encourages us to reflect on our own responsibility and seek repentance rather than murmuring or complaining about the discipline we experience.