35 Bible Verses About Being Ungrateful

Gratitude is a fundamental part of the Christian life, yet many people struggle with being ungrateful. The Bible warns against having an ungrateful heart, reminding us that thankfulness is God’s will for us. When we fail to appreciate what God has done, we can fall into complaining, selfishness, and pride. Here are Bible verses that highlight what the Bible says about being ungrateful and the consequences it brings.

Also Read: Bible Verses About Ungratefulness

The Danger of an Ungrateful Heart

Ungratefulness is more than just a bad habit—it can lead to bitterness, resentment, and a hardened heart. When we refuse to acknowledge God’s blessings, we drift further from Him. The Bible shows us that an ungrateful spirit often leads to disobedience and rebellion. God calls us to recognize His goodness and live with a heart full of thanksgiving.

Romans 1:21

“Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.”

2 Timothy 3:2

“For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.”

Luke 6:35

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.”

Psalm 107:8-9

“Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”

Colossians 3:15

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”

Complaining and Ungratefulness

Complaining often stems from an ungrateful heart. When we focus on what we don’t have instead of what God has provided, we lose sight of His goodness. The Israelites frequently grumbled against God despite His blessings, and this led to severe consequences. God wants us to trust Him and be content with His provision.

Philippians 2:14

“Do everything without complaining and arguing.”

Exodus 16:8

“Then Moses added, ‘The Lord will give you meat to eat in the evening and bread to satisfy you in the morning, for he has heard all your complaints against him. What have we done? Yes, your complaints are against the Lord, not against us!'”

Numbers 11:1

“Soon the people began to complain about their hardship, and the Lord heard everything they said. Then the Lord’s anger blazed against them, and he sent a fire to rage among them, and he destroyed some of the people in the outskirts of the camp.”

1 Corinthians 10:10

“And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death.”

James 5:9

“Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!”

The Consequences of Ungratefulness

Being ungrateful carries serious consequences. When we forget to acknowledge God’s blessings, we distance ourselves from Him and invite destruction into our lives. The Bible makes it clear that ungratefulness leads to spiritual blindness and separation from God’s presence.

Deuteronomy 28:47-48

“If you do not serve the Lord your God with joy and enthusiasm for the abundant benefits you have received, you will serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you.”

Psalm 28:5

“They care nothing for what the Lord has done or for what his hands have made. So he will tear them down, and they will never be rebuilt!”

2 Chronicles 32:25

“But Hezekiah did not respond appropriately to the kindness shown him, and he became proud. So the Lord’s anger came against him and against Judah and Jerusalem.”

Proverbs 17:13

“If you repay good with evil, evil will never leave your house.”

Luke 17:17-18

“Jesus asked, ‘Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?'”

Gratitude as a Command from God

God does not suggest gratitude—He commands it. A thankful heart acknowledges that everything we have comes from Him. When we express gratitude, we align ourselves with God’s will and experience His peace. The Bible repeatedly calls us to give thanks in all circumstances, recognizing that gratitude is a mark of true faith.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 4:2

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”

Psalm 100:4

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.”

Hebrews 12:28

“Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.”

Philippians 4:6

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

Also Read: Bible Verses About Appreciating the Little Things in Life

Jesus’ Teachings on Gratitude

Jesus frequently taught about gratitude, demonstrating that thankfulness is a sign of a transformed heart. He rebuked those who failed to give thanks and praised those who expressed gratitude. Jesus Himself gave thanks before miracles, showing us that gratitude is an essential part of faith.

Luke 17:15-16

“One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, ‘Praise God!’ He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.”

Matthew 11:25

“At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: ‘O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.'”

John 6:11

“Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward, he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted.”

Luke 22:19

“He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'”

Mark 8:6

“So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to his disciples, who distributed the bread to the crowd.”

Overcoming Ungratefulness with a Thankful Heart

Overcoming ungratefulness requires a conscious effort to cultivate thankfulness. We can develop a grateful heart by remembering God’s faithfulness, focusing on His blessings, and expressing gratitude in our daily lives. The Bible encourages us to replace complaining with praise and to recognize God’s goodness in everything.

Psalm 103:2

“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.”

Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”

Psalm 136:1

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

2 Corinthians 9:11

“Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.”

Ephesians 5:20

“And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Living a Life of Gratitude

True gratitude is more than just words; it is a way of life. Living a life of gratitude means constantly acknowledging God’s goodness, serving others joyfully, and trusting Him in all circumstances. When we make gratitude a habit, we experience joy, peace, and a closer relationship with God.

Psalm 118:24

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

1 Chronicles 16:34