Bible Verses, Quotes, Scriptures & Passages About, On & For: Complaining, Grumbling & Complaining, Not Complaining, Murmuring, and Complaints. Bible verses about Complaining as well as Bible Verses about Not Complaining are explored, followed by 10 steps on How to stop complaining and start living the life God wants us to live. Please Scroll Down for Bible Verses & Notes, i.e. NIV Bible Verses about Complaining, KJV, ESV, Bible Verses against Complaining, Bible Verses for Complaining, and Bible Verses about Complaining & Grumbling.
Complaining may go by different names, such as Murmuring (often used in KJV), Griping, Whining, Grumbling, Beefing, Belly-Aching, & Moaning. We all know what Complaining means. But What does the Bible Say About Complaining? What Does the Bible Say About Complaints? What Does the Bible Say About Murmuring? What Does the Bible say about Grumbling? Where are Complaining Verses in the Bible? We explore several key points and emphasize Biblical scriptures on Complaining, eg Complaining Bible Verses, Stop Complaining Bible Verse, Do Everything without Complaining Bible Verse, Grumbling & Complaining Bible Verses, Don’t Complain Bible Verse, & No Complaining Verse.
Complaining and Grumbling are bad habits many of us have unfortunately grown accustomed to. We explore How to stop complaining all the time, and instead prayerfully work on solving problems. Also includes Bible Verses for Complainers, and How to deal with Complainers. Please find below Inspirational, Motivational, Uplifting and Encouraging Biblical Quotes about Complaining. Bible Verses about Complaining are Powerful, Practical, Reassuring and very helpful.
I pray these scriptures will bless you as much as they have blessed me!
First we look at some Bible Verses & Quotes about Complaining, and Bible Verses & Quotes about Not Complaining. Next, please scroll down for more notes, thoughts and scriptures on How to stop complaining (10 practical ways), and finally, How to deal with Complainers. Thanks for taking the time to read!
Bible Verses on Complaining, & Bible Verses Against Complaining
Philippians 2:14a (NLT)
“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you.”
Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV)
“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, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”
Exodus 16:8 (The Message)
“Moses said, “Since it will be God who gives you meat for your meal in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, it’s God who will have listened to your complaints against him. Who are we in all this? You haven’t been complaining to us—you’ve been complaining to God!
James 5:9 (NIV)
“Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!”
1 Peter 4:9 (ESV) “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
The following section explores:
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How to stop complaining and start living the life God wants us to live,
How to avoid being a chronic complainer,
How to stop complaining all the time.
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10 Practical Ways to Stop Complaining:
1. Realize how dangerous Complaining is, and how much it displeases God.
Grumbling and complaining are sins that can lead to further disobedience, and give the enemy a hold in our lives (God forbid!). In the Bible, complaining is considered an act of unbelief toward God. We have to remember that complaining does not change situations, or even make anything better. Conversely, complaining increases our frustration. Complaining is also very contagious and if not checked, it will spread discord, discontentment and negativity to others.
Psalm 106:25 (NIV) “They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the LORD.”
Numbers 11:1-2 (ESV) “And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the Lord, and the fire died down.”
1 Corinthians 10:10 (ESV)
“Nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.”
What makes God Happy, Smile, Laugh?, What Makes God Sad, Angry, Cry?
2. Keep your focus on God, not your circumstances.
Complaining often starts when we take our eyes off the Lord, and instead focus on our circumstances. Resist the temptation to be a complainer. Keep your eyes and your focus on God. God is always there. God is in control. When we keep complaining, we display a lack of faith in God. Remember that God’s plans and purposes are always greater than our problems – ALL things work together for the good of those that love God.
Romans 8:28 (KJV) “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Phil 1:6 (ESV) “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Bible Verses about Fixing your eyes on God
3. You are an Ambassador of the Most High God – Don’t Forget This!
We do ourselves and others around us (Christians and Non Christians alike) a disservice when we complain all the time. As Christians, we should be a breath of fresh air by being cheerful, “providing people with a glimpse of the living God.” Let’s remember that in whatever we do, as we relate with others – we are representing God, we are ambassadors for God. Let’s be a breath of fresh air, a sweet smelling fragrance to everyone that comes in contact with us, by God’s grace and by the power of His Holy Spirit. Let’s show the world God’s character through the things we say and do. We are Christians. We are different. Let’s be people of faith, continually radiating God’s presence and His joy. Amen.
2 Cor 5:20 (ESV) “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God is making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
Matt 5:14 (ESV) “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matt 5:16 (ESV) “…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Phil 2:14 -16 (The Message)
“Do everything readily and cheerfully – no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You’ll be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work for nothing.”
4. Be a part of the solution, not the problem
When there is a problem and all we do is complain about it, we inevitably become part of the problem. Instead, let’s prayerfully work out a solution to the problem, and become a part of the solution, instead of being part of the problem. Go to God in prayer, trusting that God is the infinitely wise one. Ask God to open your eyes to see how you can solve the problem, whether alone or along with others. And if you have the influence or opportunity – by all means, speak out constructively, and work towards leading and delegating others to solve the problem systematically. When we stop complaining and change our attitudes, we become much happier, the people around us become happier, and we’ll be a breath of fresh air to others. And we could potentially become a part of the solution to the problem – how cool is that :)!
5. Take Responsibility
Remember there are consequences for our actions, our inaction’s, and all the choices we make. Let’s all take responsibility for our own lives, instead of blaming others and blaming God for our problems. For instance, instead of accepting responsibility for his actions, Adam blamed Eve for tempting him, and indirectly also blamed God for putting Eve in his life. Do you want to be successful in life? Don’t constantly blame God and others for your problems. Accept responsibility for your actions, make the necessary adjustments when necessary, Follow God’s guidance and move on in faith.
Genesis 3:12 (NIV) “The man said, The woman you put here with me – she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
Prov 19:3 (NLT) “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness, and then are angry at the Lord.”
Galatians 6:7 (ESV) “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
6. Count your blessings, Be thankful, Be grateful…
Ask God to help you develop an attitude of gratitude.
When we have a grateful heart that is focused on God, we have very little room for complaining. Most of us in truth have very little to complain about – if we try sitting down for a minute and putting things in perspective, counting our blessings, this will become very clear to us. And yes, we’ll sometimes have circumstances that we are not happy with. Take it to the Lord in prayer! Continually praise God and thank God in spite of your circumstances. Send the enemy packing! Lord, please help me to be thankful, help me to be grateful, help me to never take your blessings for granted. Also, sometimes the best cure for complaining is to put ourselves in a position where we are forced to look at things from a different perspective. If you find that you are complaining all the time, consider spending some time volunteering – eg at a shelter, food bank, hospital, service project, church outreach, etc. Sometimes we just need to see things from a different perspective to realize that we really don’t have much to complain about. Remember the opposite of complaining is Thanksgiving, which is essentially an expression of faith, trust, and gratitude in God. God loves it when we show gratitude and are thankful. He will deliver us, to the glory of His name.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Psalm 50:14-15 (ESV) “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
7. Think Good & Positive Thoughts
Everything we say and do starts in our minds. Complaining starts in our minds. We are constantly bombarded with negativity and what is “wrong”, eg through the media. Yes, there are many things that are wrong in the world we live in. But we shouldn’t get so wrapped up in those things that we forget about the countless good things – The beauty of the gift of life, the joys of being in a relationship with God, the love of family and friends, and the many simple pleasures and blessings we continually experience. Let’s never forget the blessings that come with sharing life and goodness with others – family, friends and strangers alike.
See Also: Bible Verses about Our Hearts, Heart Thoughts, Minds
Let’s remember to start by thinking good thoughts and thinking positive thoughts. It will show up in what we say and do.
Phil 4:8 (NIV) “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
Romans 12:2 (ESV) “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
8. Speak Positive Words
When we say something enough times, we tend to actually start believing it. Let’s be very careful with our words. Let’s not fall into the dangerous trap of constantly complaining and speaking negativity upon ourselves or others, or we risk that negativity becoming reality. Let us remember the power of words – Let us always remember to speak good, not evil, upon our lives. For instance, the Israelites kept complaining that they were going to die in the wilderness (Num. 14:2-3), and eventually, God got so tired of their whining and complaining that he allowed the horrible things they predicted to become their reality (Num. 14: 27-29). Please, let this be an important lesson to us. Speak positive words to yourself everyday (i.e. positive self-talk). Speak positive words to others. Lift people up. Replace complaining with positive speaking and compliments. Speak words that will benefit others. Give someone a big smile as you say hello. Intentionally look for nice things to say about people or situations. Try to develop the habit of compliments and positive speaking. Just like complaining can become a bad habit, thanksgiving, praise, compliments and positive speaking can become a good habit. “What beautiful weather we have today!” “That breeze feels so good”! “You look lovely today”! “I love your smile”! You get the idea ;). You will be spreading cheer and goodwill wherever you go.
Matt 12:36 (ESV) “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Phil. 4:8-9 (The Message) “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse… Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.”
9. Do Everything Unto The Lord – Do your best!
Remember the ultimate reason why we do anything we do. Remember to do whatever you do “unto the Lord”, “not unto men”. If we act like we know whatever we’re doing is unto God, it helps us to get our perspectives right, and we won’t get easily flustered or offended.
Colossians 3:23 (KJV) “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
Mark 10:45 (ESV) “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
10. PRAY, Trust God with your life, & Obey God.
Just like with any other issues we deal with in life – please, don’t forget the power of prayer. When you feel like you are starting to get overwhelmed, Pray, Pray, Pray. God is concerned about everything we go through, and God doesn’t just abandon us to our struggles. God’s wisdom cannot be compared to ours. Pray for God’s help through whatever you are dealing with. Pray that God would show you how to deal with your situation. Choose to trust God to protect you, provide for you, direct your steps, and guide you in life. Pray that God will give you a fresh outpouring of His Spirit. Pray that God will fill you afresh with His joy and His peace. Amen.
How to Deal with Complainers
Respond in LOVE. Even if you have never struggled with the issue of complaining, you have made probably made mistakes as well. Remember you have had (and may still have) struggles in other areas as well. Resist the temptation to lash out in anger at a chronic complainer. Listen to them, but don’t spend too much time in idle talk. Be firm, but by God’s grace, always respond in love. Empathize with them and show love and compassion. Ask them specific questions to see if they can find a solution to the problem. And as always, pray for God’s guidance in dealing with specific situations. Let’s remember to be patient when dealing with everyone, just like others have been patient with us…and of course, God has been ever so patient with us concerning many things.
Final Thoughts & Prayers
Philippians 2:12-16 (ESV)
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 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, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”
Romans 15:13 (ESV)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
I pray this topic has blessed you as much as it has blessed me.
May our Father’s Joy, Peace & Light forever radiate in all of our lives.
I pray we’ll be a breath of fresh air to everyone we come in contact with!
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Thanks for reading, Dear Friends – Have a wonderfully blessed, stress-free, productive, and joyful day!
Much Love & Blessings,
Bomi Jolly ~ JollyNotes.com
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