The Bible teaches us that complaining is not just an expression of dissatisfaction but a sign of a heart that lacks faith and gratitude. Throughout Scripture, we see how complaining leads to discouragement, disobedience, and even divine discipline.
The Israelites, despite witnessing God’s miracles, constantly murmured against Him, which resulted in severe consequences. Instead of complaining, God calls us to trust Him, give thanks in all circumstances, and rely on His wisdom and timing.
Jesus set the perfect example by enduring suffering without complaint, showing us how to remain faithful and obedient even in difficult times. The apostle Paul also encouraged believers to do all things without grumbling so that they may shine as lights in the world. When we resist the urge to complain and instead focus on God’s goodness, we cultivate a spirit of joy, peace, and contentment.
These Scriptures talks about the dangers of complaining and the power of gratitude, it remind us to shift our focus from our problems to God’s faithfulness and sovereignty.
Preachers Quotes
“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue but the parent of all the other virtues.” – Cicero
“The more you complain, the less you obtain. Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.” – John Hagee
“Complaining shows ungratefulness, but thanksgiving brings joy and peace.” – Charles Spurgeon
“If Christians spent as much time praying as they do grumbling, they would have nothing to grumble about.” – D.L. Moody
“A grumbling spirit is a great hindrance to spiritual growth.” – A.W. Tozer
“Do all things without complaining; it’s the mark of a true servant of Christ.” – Corrie ten Boom
“Gratitude is the cure for complaining. The more we thank God, the less we find to grumble about.” – Rick Warren
You might also be interested in: Bible verses about Being Thankful For The Little Things
Bible Verses About Complaining
Philippians 2:14 – Do all things without complaining.
“Do all things without complaining and disputing.” – Philippians 2:14
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Give thanks in everything.
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Exodus 16:8 – Complaints are against God.
“Your complaints are not against us but against the Lord.” – Exodus 16:8
Numbers 14:27 – God hears all complaints.
“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.” – Numbers 14:27
James 5:9 – Do not grumble against one another.
“Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!” – James 5:9
Psalm 106:25 – Complaining leads to disobedience.
“But complained in their tents, and did not heed the voice of the Lord.” – Psalm 106:25
1 Corinthians 10:10 – Complaining led to destruction.
“Nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.” – 1 Corinthians 10:10
Exodus 14:11 – The Israelites complained even after deliverance.
“Then they said to Moses, ‘Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt?’” – Exodus 14:11
Proverbs 19:3 – Complaining blames God.
“The foolishness of a man twists his way, and his heart frets against the Lord.” – Proverbs 19:3
Lamentations 3:39 – Why should anyone complain?
“Why should a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?” – Lamentations 3:39
Colossians 3:13 – Bear with one another.
“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.” – Colossians 3:13
Matthew 20:11 – The laborers complained against the landowner.
“And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner.” – Matthew 20:11
Psalm 77:3 – Complaining brings distress.
“I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed.” – Psalm 77:3
Isaiah 29:24 – Complainers will learn doctrine.
“These also who erred in spirit will come to understanding, and those who complained will learn doctrine.” – Isaiah 29:24
Jude 1:16 – Ungodly people complain and grumble.
“These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.” – Jude 1:16
Proverbs 21:19 – It is better to avoid a complaining person.
“Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman.” – Proverbs 21:19
Luke 5:30 – The Pharisees complained against Jesus.
“And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, ‘Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’” – Luke 5:30
Job 7:11 – Job poured out his complaints.
“Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.” – Job 7:11
Psalm 144:14 – No complaining in our streets.
“That there be no breaking in or going out; that there be no outcry in our streets.” – Psalm 144:14
John 6:43 – Jesus warns against murmuring.
“Jesus therefore answered and said to them, ‘Do not murmur among yourselves.’” – John 6:43
Numbers 11:1 – Complaining angers the Lord.
“Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused.” – Numbers 11:1
Psalm 34:1 – Praise instead of complaining.
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” – Psalm 34:1
Proverbs 17:22 – A joyful heart is good for us.
“A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
1 Peter 4:9 – Show hospitality without grumbling.
“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” – 1 Peter 4:9
Psalm 37:7 – Be patient and do not fret.
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way.” – Psalm 37:7
Job 10:1 – Job struggled with complaining.
“My soul loathes my life; I will give free course to my complaint, I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.” – Job 10:1
James 1:2-3 – Trials should bring joy, not complaints.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” – James 1:2-3
Romans 8:28 – God works all things for good.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Psalm 142:2 – Pouring out complaints to God.
“I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble.” – Psalm 142:2
Galatians 6:9 – Do not grow weary in doing good.
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” – Galatians 6:9
Romans 12:12 – Be patient and steadfast in trials.
“Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.” – Romans 12:12
Ecclesiastes 7:9 – Do not be quick to anger.
“Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:9
Psalm 55:17 – Cry out to God instead of complaining.
“Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.” – Psalm 55:17
Colossians 2:7 – Be rooted in thanksgiving.
“Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” – Colossians 2:7
2 Corinthians 12:9 – God’s grace is enough.
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Psalm 100:4 – Enter God’s presence with thanksgiving.
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” – Psalm 100:4
Habakkuk 3:17-18 – Rejoice even in hardship.
“Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines… Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” – Habakkuk 3:17-18
John 16:33 – Jesus has overcome the world.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Deuteronomy 8:2 – God tests our hearts through trials.
“And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.” – Deuteronomy 8:2
Hebrews 13:5 – Be content with what you have.
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” – Hebrews 13:5
If you’re interested, here’s another article on: Bible verses about Discouragement
What does the Bible say about Complaining
The Bible teaches that complaining is not just about expressing frustration; it shows a lack of trust in God. Throughout Scripture, we see how complaining often leads to trouble and draws people away from God’s blessings. The Israelites in the wilderness are a good example. Even after God saved them from Egypt and provided for them, they kept complaining. Instead of trusting God, they grumbled about food, water, and their hardships. Because of their constant complaining, many of them did not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:27-30).
God wants His people to trust Him in every situation. Philippians 2:14 says, “Do all things without complaining and disputing.” This means believers should serve God and others with a joyful heart instead of a bitter attitude. Complaining can lead to discouragement and disobedience, but gratitude brings peace. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul reminds us to “give thanks in everything,” because this is God’s will. No matter what we face, we should focus on God’s goodness rather than our difficulties.
Jesus set the best example by never complaining, even when He suffered. He trusted God’s plan and remained faithful. In contrast, people who complain often doubt God’s wisdom and timing. James 5:9 warns, “Do not grumble against one another, lest you be condemned.” Complaining not only affects our relationship with God but also our relationships with others. It can create division, resentment, and negativity. Instead of grumbling, the Bible encourages us to pray and trust God’s promises.
Complaining can also prevent us from growing spiritually. In Jude 1:16, complainers are described as ungodly people who follow their own desires instead of God’s will. Proverbs 19:3 says that when people ruin their own lives, they blame God instead of taking responsibility. This shows that complaining can come from pride and a lack of faith. Instead of complaining, believers are called to trust God’s plan, knowing that He works all things for good (Romans 8:28).
The Bible teaches that the cure for complaining is gratitude. When we focus on God’s blessings, we find peace and contentment. Instead of grumbling, we should remember God’s faithfulness and praise Him in every situation. Complaints only make life harder, but a thankful heart brings joy and strength. If we trust in God’s goodness, we will find peace and satisfaction in every season of life.