Grumbling is often a sign of discontent, lack of trust in God, and a heart that is not grateful for His blessings. The Bible warns against complaining, as it can lead to bitterness, division, and even a rejection of God’s goodness. Instead, Scripture encourages us to trust in the Lord, practice gratitude, and speak words that build up rather than tear down. Below are key biblical teachings on grumbling, along with supporting Bible verses.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Complaining
Grumbling Shows a Lack of Faith in God
When we grumble, we demonstrate a lack of faith in God’s plans and provision. The Israelites frequently complained despite witnessing God’s miracles, which ultimately led to their prolonged time in the wilderness. Instead of complaining, we are called to trust in God’s faithfulness and sovereignty in all circumstances.
Exodus 16:8
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 14:27
“How long must I put up with this wicked community and its complaints about me? Yes, I have heard the complaints the Israelites are making against me.”
Psalm 106:25
Instead, they grumbled in their tents and refused to obey the Lord.
John 6:43
But Jesus replied, “Stop complaining about what I said.”
1 Corinthians 10:10
And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death.
Grumbling Leads to Destruction
Complaining often leads people away from God’s path. It opens the door to disobedience, strife, and negative thinking. The Israelites suffered severe consequences because of their persistent grumbling, showing us the danger of an ungrateful heart.
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.
Philippians 2:14
Do everything without complaining and arguing.
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!
Jude 1:16
These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want.
Deuteronomy 1:27
You complained in your tents and said, ‘The Lord must hate us. That’s why he has brought us here from Egypt—to hand us over to the Amorites to be slaughtered.’
Gratitude is the Antidote to Grumbling
Instead of grumbling, the Bible encourages believers to cultivate gratitude. A thankful heart acknowledges God’s goodness and prevents the bitterness that comes with constant complaining.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
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 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.
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.
Psalm 103:2
Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.
Grumbling Spreads Negativity
Complaining has a way of influencing others, leading to widespread negativity. The Israelites’ complaints spread like wildfire, discouraging their leaders and bringing down the entire community.
Numbers 14:36
The ten men Moses had sent to explore the land—the ones who incited rebellion against the Lord with their bad report—
Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
Hebrews 12:15
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
Proverbs 15:13
A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.
Ecclesiastes 7:9
Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Worrying about Money
God Provides Even When We Grumble
Despite their constant complaints, God still provided for the Israelites. His grace and mercy are evident even when we fail to trust Him.
Exodus 16:12
“I have heard the Israelites’ complaints. Now tell them: ‘In the evening you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will have all the bread you want. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’”
Matthew 6:31-32
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.”
Philippians 4:19
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 37:25
Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.
Matthew 7:11
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
Encouraging Words Replace Grumbling
Instead of grumbling, God calls us to use our words to encourage and uplift others. When we replace complaints with words of life, we reflect the heart of Christ and bring joy to those around us.
Ephesians 4:29
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Colossians 4:6
Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Proverbs 16:24
Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
1 Peter 3:10
For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.”
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
Trusting God Eliminates the Need to Grumble
At the heart of grumbling is a failure to trust in God’s plan. When we put our faith in Him, we recognize that He is in control, and we no longer feel the need to complain. Instead, we rest in His promises and trust that He is working all things for our good.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Psalm 37:7
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Philippians 4:11-12
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.