Clicky

What Does the Bible Say About Complaining? – Viral Believer
Skip to content

What Does the Bible Say About Complaining?

Introduction

Complaining is a common habit that many people engage in without realizing its harmful effects. As Christians, it’s important to be mindful of our words and attitudes, as they have the power to impact our relationships, our well-being, and our relationship with God.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about complaining and learn how we can cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment instead.

The Bible has much to say about complaining, both in the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, we see examples of the Israelites in the wilderness, the book of Job, and the Psalms, all of which provide insights into how to deal with difficult circumstances without complaining.

In the New Testament, we see the importance of gratitude, the example of Jesus, and the role of prayer in combatting complaining.

While complaining may seem harmless, it can have serious consequences for our lives. It can lead to bitterness and resentment towards God and others, create a negative atmosphere that affects those around us, and reinforce a victim mentality that prevents us from taking responsibility for our own actions.

By understanding the harmful effects of complaining and learning how to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment, we can live a life that honors God and blesses others.

complaining in the Bible

Definition of Complaining

Complaining is the expression of dissatisfaction or annoyance about something. It can take many forms, including verbal complaints, written complaints, and negative thoughts.

While it’s natural to feel frustrated or unhappy about certain things in life, constant complaining can lead to bitterness, negativity, and a lack of gratitude.

Complaining in the Old Testament

The Old Testament contains many examples of people who complained. The most notable examples include the Israelites in the wilderness, the book of Job, and the Psalms.

The Israelites in the Wilderness

The book of Exodus tells the story of how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and led them into the wilderness. However, the Israelites soon began to complain about their circumstances, even though God was providing for their needs. In Exodus 16:2-3, they say to Moses and Aaron:

“Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

Despite God’s miraculous provision of manna and quail, the Israelites continued to complain throughout their journey.

The Book of Job

The book of Job is a powerful example of someone who had every reason to complain but chose not to. Job lost his wealth, his family, and his health, yet he never cursed God or blamed Him for his circumstances. Instead, he maintained his faith and trust in God, even when his friends urged him to curse God and die.

The Psalms

The book of Psalms contains many examples of prayers and songs that express frustration, pain, and sorrow. However, even in the midst of these difficult emotions, the psalmists ultimately turn to God for help and comfort. Psalm 77:1-2 says:

“I cried out to God with my voice—To God with my voice; And He gave ear to me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted.”

Complaining in the New Testament

While the New Testament doesn’t contain as many examples of complaining as the Old Testament, it still provides important guidance on this topic. Here are a few key principles:

The Importance of Gratitude

In Philippians 2:14-15, Paul urges his readers to:

“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.”

This passage emphasizes the importance of avoiding complaining so that we can be a positive influence on others and reflect the character of Christ. Instead of complaining, we should cultivate a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness for all that God has done for us.

The Example of Jesus

Jesus, Himself was not one to complain. Even when He faced extreme physical pain and emotional distress, He remained focused on His mission and trusted in His Father’s plan. In Hebrews 12:3, we are encouraged to:

“Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”

By looking to Jesus as our example, we can learn to endure difficult circumstances without complaining.

The Role of Prayer

Finally, the New Testament emphasizes the importance of prayer as a way to combat complaining. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul writes:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

By making prayer a regular part of our lives, we can shift our focus away from our problems and onto God’s goodness and faithfulness.

The Consequences of Complaining

While complaining may seem harmless, it can actually have serious consequences for our relationship with God, our relationships with others, and our own well-being. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Complaining can lead to bitterness and resentment towards God and others. When we focus on what’s wrong instead of what’s right, we can become bitter and resentful towards those who have more than us or towards God for not answering our prayers in the way we want.
  • Complaining can create a negative atmosphere that affects those around us. Our words and attitudes can affect the people around us, leading to a negative atmosphere and damaging our relationships.
  • Complaining can reinforce a victim mentality and prevent us from taking responsibility for our own actions. When we complain, we often focus on what others have done to us or on our circumstances rather than taking responsibility for our own actions and decisions.

Ultimately, complaining can become a barrier to experiencing God’s blessings and fulfilling His purposes for our lives.

The Antidote to Complaining

So, how can we avoid complaining and cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment instead? Here are a few strategies:

  • Develop a Grateful Heart: One of the best ways to combat complaining is to focus on all the blessings God has given us. We can make a habit of listing things we’re thankful for each day or meditating on passages of Scripture that remind us of God’s goodness and faithfulness. One such passage is Psalm 103:2-5, which says:

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

  • Trust in God’s Sovereignty: When we face difficult circumstances, it can be tempting to complain and question God’s plan. However, by trusting in His sovereignty and wisdom, we can find peace and contentment even in the midst of trials. Romans 8:28 reminds us:

“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.”

  • Practice Contentment: Finally, we can choose to be content with what we have instead of constantly craving more. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 says:

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”

By focusing on what truly matters and finding satisfaction in God alone, we can avoid the trap of complaining and experience true joy and peace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible provides us with important guidance on how to avoid complaining and cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment instead.

By focusing on God’s goodness and faithfulness, trusting in His sovereignty and wisdom, and choosing to be content with what we have, we can overcome the temptation to complain and experience true joy and peace.

As Christians, it’s important to be mindful of our words and attitudes, as they have the power to impact those around us and our relationship with God. By looking to Jesus as our example and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live a life that reflects His character and brings glory to God.

So let us commit to avoiding complaining and instead choose to focus on all the blessings God has given us. Let us trust in His plan for our lives, even when we face difficult circumstances. And let us cultivate a spirit of contentment and gratitude, knowing that in doing so, we will experience God’s peace and joy in our lives.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.