Does the Bible talk about complaining?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

To complain is to express dissatisfaction about something. To grumble is to complain with a bad attitude. We most often think of complaining as whining or grumbling. It goes beyond mere expression of a less than satisfactory situation to include a certain attitude about it—perhaps entitled or judgmental. It also usually implies showing discontent with no recognition of personal responsibility in the situation nor effort to change the situation or one's attitude about it. Expressing dissatisfaction is not always wrong, but dissatisfaction with our circumstances that presents itself as complaining undermines the peace, joy, patience, and other fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) we may experience, and it can harm the witness that Christians present to others.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Complaining has a long history, starting with Adam. When confronted with his disobedience, Adam complained to God that He was at fault for making Eve and that Eve was at fault for giving him the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:12).
• Moses complained at the burning bush (Exodus 3—4) and more than once about the grumbling and idolatry of the Israelites (Exodus 17:4; 32:31–32).
• The book of Psalms reflects most, if not all, human emotion; complaining is not left out (Psalm 12:1–2; 22:1).
• While most of our complaining is sinful, it is possible to lament without sinning: Job did it (Job 1:22; 2:10). It is not wrong to express dissatisfaction with a fallen world and a yearning for God's redemption, but it is wrong to do so with a disrespectful attitude toward God or a focus solely on selfish gain and comfort (Psalm 73). It is not wrong to ask God questions, but it is wrong to question God's motives as if we were His judge.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• At the worst, when we complain we are essentially saying that we don't like what God is doing or allowing in our lives and that we don't trust His sovereignty. Often, when we complain we are focused on the wrong things (James 4:1–3).
• Rather than grumble about our hardships, we can imitate the attitude of Paul. We can stand secure in our justification before God through Christ, at peace with Him and knowing we have access to Him by faith (Romans 5:1–2).
• We stand firmly in His grace and rejoice in hope (Romans 5:2): "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:3–5; cf. James 1:2–4). Rather than complain, we trust that God is at work and rely on Him for our joy and to give us endurance to press forward (Romans 8).
• Often we are more likely to complain about small matters than about true suffering, but such complaints are unbecoming for children of God. Paul writes to the Philippian church to guard its witness by not complaining: "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:14–15).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Our complaints, at best, should enter into our prayer life so we can ask God about how He wants us to handle situations. When we turn our complaints into prayers, we open the door for God’s wisdom and guidance in navigating our circumstances (James 1:5). Instead of grumbling or dwelling on our frustrations, we can present our concerns to God, trusting Him to work in and through our situations for His glory (Romans 8:28–29). This approach not only allows us to experience His peace but also shifts our focus from discontent to faith and gratitude. When we recognize that our complaints often stem from mistrust, selfishness, or pride, we should humbly seek God’s forgiveness and ask Him to transform our hearts (1 John 1:9). This transformation leads us to an attitude of thankfulness, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and trusting Him to bring about His purposes, even in the midst of challenges. When we allow our attitudes to turn to gratitude, we honor God, grow spiritually, and reflect His character more clearly to others.

UNDERSTAND

• Complaining can express dissatisfaction but must not include grumbling.
• Several of the Psalms demonstrate what it looks like to come to God honestly in distress, and question circumstances respectfully, recognizing God's sovereignty.
• Believers should focus on gratitude and joy instead of complaining and grumbling.

REFLECT

• How do you typically respond to frustrations or disappointments in your life? Do you find yourself complaining or turning those feelings into prayers?
• How can you express dissatisfaction about a situation with a respectful attitude towards God instead of entitlement and judgment?
• In what ways can you cultivate an attitude of gratitude and trust in God, especially during challenging circumstances?

ENGAGE

• How can understanding the difference between expressing dissatisfaction and grumbling help us navigate our responses to difficulties?
• Consider the examples of complaining in the lives of figures like Adam, Moses, and Job. What insights do we gain from their experiences?
• What practical steps can we take to shift our focus and others’ focus from complaining to trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness in our daily lives?