Let’s be honest: we all complain sometimes. Whether it’s about the weather, the traffic, or that one coworker who chews way too loudly, expressing dissatisfaction is a pretty universal human experience.
But what does the Bible say about complaining? Is it just a harmless habit, or is there something deeper going on from a spiritual perspective? Does God care if we vent about our frustrations?
This article will dig into what the Bible has to say on the subject. We’ll explore specific verses about complaining, unpack the underlying causes and consequences of a complaining spirit, and look at how we can overcome it. We’ll also touch on some key biblical examples and principles to help us understand God’s perspective on this all-too-common struggle.
What the Bible Says About Complaining: Old Testament Examples
The Bible has a lot to say about complaining, and much of it isn’t good. The Old Testament is full of examples of people griping about their circumstances, and those stories often serve as cautionary tales.
The Israelites in the Wilderness
One of the most prominent examples is the story of the Israelites after they left Egypt. God had just rescued them from slavery in a miraculous way, but they quickly started complaining about the hardships they faced in the wilderness. In Exodus 14:11-12, they whine to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”
They also complained about the lack of food and water. Exodus 15:24 says, “So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, ‘What are we to drink?'” And in Exodus 16:7-8, they grumble about their hunger.
The Bible makes it clear that their complaining was more than just venting frustration. It was a rejection of God’s provision and leadership. They didn’t trust that God would take care of them, even after He had dramatically delivered them from slavery. Their grumbling showed a lack of faith.
And there were consequences. Numbers 11:1-4 describes how their complaining led to divine judgment, and in Numbers 21:4-6, their constant complaining resulted in a plague of venomous snakes.
Other Old Testament Examples
The Old Testament contains other instances of complaining. Numbers 12:1-6 tells the story of Miriam and Aaron complaining about Moses, motivated by jealousy and envy. These stories highlight a general theme of discontentment and a lack of trust in God.
Ultimately, these Old Testament examples serve as warnings, showing us the negative consequences of a complaining spirit.
What the New Testament Says About Complaining
The New Testament is pretty clear: Complaining and grumbling are not the way to go if you’re trying to live a Christian life.
General Admonitions Against Complaining
There are direct commands against grumbling and complaining scattered throughout the New Testament. For example, Philippians 2:14 says, “Do everything without complaining or grumbling,” and John 6:43 says, “Do not grumble among yourselves.”
These commands are important because they help foster unity, love, and a positive witness to others.
Specific Examples and Warnings
The New Testament also provides examples of what happens when people complain. In 1 Corinthians 10:9-10, readers are warned against testing Christ and grumbling like the Israelites did, which brought about negative consequences.
Hospitality is also mentioned in the New Testament, with 1 Peter 4:9 urging believers to “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling,” connecting hospitality with a selfless and positive attitude.
Jude 1:16 goes a step further, describing complainers as “malcontents, following their own sinful desires,” which highlights the negative character traits associated with complaining.
Why do we complain?
Complaining isn’t just a bad habit; it often points to deeper issues in our hearts. Here are some common root causes:
Unbelief and Lack of Trust in God
At its core, complaining can reveal a lack of faith. When we complain, we’re essentially saying we don’t trust God’s plan or provision. Think about it: When things get tough, do we turn to God in prayer, believing He’ll provide, or do we immediately start grumbling about how unfair things are? Complaining suggests we doubt God’s ability or willingness to care for us.
Discontentment and Envy
Comparison is the thief of joy, and it often leads to complaining. When we constantly compare ourselves to others – their possessions, their talents, their circumstances – we become discontent with what we have. Envy fuels a desire for what others possess, and that desire manifests as grumbling and dissatisfaction. We focus on what we lack instead of appreciating what we’ve been given.
Selfishness and Impatience
Selfishness and impatience are close cousins. When we’re overly focused on our own desires and comfort, we’re quick to complain when those needs aren’t immediately met. We want what we want, and we want it now. A lack of patience in waiting for God’s timing can also lead to grumbling. We don’t trust that He knows what’s best or that He’s working things out for our good, so we complain about the delay.
What happens when we complain?
Complaining can affect us in several ways. Some of these effects are spiritual, some affect our relationships, and some are personal.
Spiritual Consequences
From a spiritual point of view, complaining is a sin. It suggests that we don’t trust God to take care of us. It tells God that we don’t appreciate what we have. Complaining keeps us from growing spiritually, and it can damage our relationship with God.
Interpersonal Consequences
Constant complaining can also damage our relationships with other people. It creates a negative environment and can discourage those around us. People may start to avoid us if we’re always complaining.
Personal Consequences
Complaining can lead to bitterness, negativity, and unhappiness. It warps our perspective and makes it harder to see the good in our lives. A complaining spirit can make it harder to enjoy life and appreciate what we have.
Overcoming Complaining: Practical Steps
Okay, so you know complaining isn’t great, and you’re armed with some biblical backup. But how do you actually stop? Here are some practical steps to help you kick the complaining habit:
Recognizing and Acknowledging the Problem
First, you gotta know yourself. Pay attention to when and how you complain. What triggers you? What situations bring out the worst in you? Be honest with yourself. Ask yourself, “What am I really upset about?” Sometimes the surface-level complaint is masking a deeper issue.
Cultivating Gratitude and Thankfulness
Gratitude is a game-changer. It’s hard to complain when you’re focused on what you do have. Try keeping a gratitude journal. Jot down a few things you’re thankful for each day. Even in tough times, there’s always something to appreciate, even if it’s just the roof over your head or the kindness of a stranger.
Renewing Your Mind with Scripture
Fill your mind with positive, God-honoring thoughts. Memorize verses about thankfulness and contentment. Pray for a heart of gratitude. Ask God to help you see the blessings in your life and to be content with what you have.
Practicing Patience and Trusting God
This is a big one. Trust God’s timing and plan, even when things don’t make sense. Remember how God has been faithful to you in the past. Practice patience in difficult situations. Remind yourself that God is working, even when you can’t see it. He’s got this, even when you feel like everything’s falling apart.
In Conclusion
As Christians, we are called to live differently, and that includes avoiding the trap of constant complaining. As we’ve seen, the Bible makes it clear that grumbling and discontentment displease God and can negatively impact our own hearts and minds.
Choosing gratitude and contentment is a daily, sometimes moment-by-moment, decision. It’s a lifelong journey of learning to see God’s blessings even in difficult circumstances.
But remember, you’re not alone. God is with you, offering strength and guidance as you strive to overcome complaining and cultivate a spirit of thankfulness. Lean on Him, and trust that He will help you see the good in every situation.