Complaining is a common temptation that can poison our hearts and relationships, yet the Bible offers warnings and exhortations against this destructive habit. Join us as we explore verses that address the issue of complaining, offering wisdom and guidance for cultivating gratitude, contentment, and trust in God’s provision and sovereignty, even in the midst of trials and challenges.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Reading The Bible
Bible Verses About Complaining
Philippians 2:14 – Do everything without complaining
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”
1 Corinthians 10:10 – Do not complain and be destroyed
“And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.”
James 5:9 – Do not complain against one another
“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 – Be hospitable without complaining
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
Proverbs 19:3 – People ruin their lives by complaining
“A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the LORD.”
1 Timothy 6:6 – Godliness with contentment is great gain
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 – The Lord’s faithfulness is new every morning
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Numbers 11:1 – Complaining can incur God’s anger
“Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.”
Psalm 77:3 – Complaining can cause sleepless nights
“I remembered you, God, and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint.”
Philippians 4:11 – Learning to be content in all circumstances
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
Exodus 16:7-8 – Complaining is against God
“and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?” Moses also said, ‘You will know that it was the LORD when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD.”
Romans 12:12 – Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Job 10:1 – Anguish can lead to complaining
“I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.”
Jonah 4:9 – Should not complain about God’s compassion
“But God said to Jonah, ‘Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?’ ‘It is,’ he said. ‘And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.’
Proverbs 14:10 – Complaining can make our hearts bitter
“Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.”
John 16:33 – Jesus overcame the world, we can have peace
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Luke 6:38 – Giving, and it will be given to you
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Proverbs 12:25 – Anxiety weighs down the heart
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
Psalm 145:14 – God upholds those who are falling
“The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.”
Philippians 4:6-7 – Presenting our requests to God with thanksgiving
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Matthew 6:25 – Do not be anxious about your life
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”
James 4:11 – Do not speak evil against one another
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against their brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.”
Matthew 11:30 – Jesus’ yoke is easy and burden is light
“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Psalm 118:24 – Rejoicing in the day the Lord has made
“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 55:22 – Casting your burdens on the Lord
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 37:4 – Delighting in the Lord and He will give desires
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all anxieties on God
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Proverbs 29:11 – A fool vents his feelings, but the wise holds them back
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
Romans 8:28 – All things work together for good
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Ephesians 4:29 – Speaking only what is helpful for building others up
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Proverbs 19:11 – A person’s wisdom gives patience, and the ability to overlook an offense provides personal glory
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
Psalm 121:1-2 – Our help comes from the Lord
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Colossians 3:13 – Bearing with one another and forgiving as the Lord forgave
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
John 14:27 – Peace Jesus gives is different than the world’s
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Psalm 119:165 – Great peace for those who love God’s law
“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
Matthew 11:28 – Come to Jesus and find rest
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
2 Corinthians 9:8 – God is able to bless us abundantly
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Psalm 91:14-15 – God hears us and delivers us
“‘Because he loves me,’ says the LORD, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”
Psalm 34:14 – Seeking peace and pursuing it
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Matthew 6:31-33 – Seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness first
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”