Many verses in both the Old and New Testaments remind believers of the importance of having a positive attitude and expressing gratitude. This article aims to elaborate on the topic by offering a deeper understanding of these Bible teachings.
What is Grumbling According to the Bible?
The Bible’s references to grumbling relate it primarily to a display of dissatisfaction or discontent. This behavior often manifests in negative comments, incessant complaining, and a general lack of positivity. It is often linked to ingratitude and distrust, deviating from the ideal attitudes of gratitude, trust, and faith that the Bible advocates for. Understanding this Biblical view of grumbling can enable us to reflect on our attitudes and purposefully choose positivity and gratitude.
Why Does the Bible Discourage Grumbling?
The Bible discourages grumbling as it is seen as a manifestation of a lack of faith and a spirit of ingratitude. It emphasizes that believers should look towards God with faith and trust, regardless of their circumstances. Grumbling is perceived as distancing individuals from this ideal, as it focuses more on the negatives rather than believing in God’s plan and expressing gratitude for His blessings. A grumbling attitude can also contribute to a negative environment, impacting not only the individual but also those around them.
Where Does the Bible Talk About Grumbling?
Verses addressing grumbling can be found in both the Old and the New Testaments. From the Israelites complaining against Moses in the desert, to the epistles in the New Testament cautioning against grumbling, the theme is a recurring one. Recognizing the various contexts in which grumbling is discussed can help us draw relevant lessons for our lives. These discussions serve as reminders to strive for an attitude of contentment and a trust in God’s divine plan.
Who are the Characters Involved in Grumbling Stories in the Bible?
Major biblical figures and ordinary people alike are depicted as grumbling in various stories, illustrating that this behavior is a common human tendency. Notably, the Israelites are often depicted grumbling against Moses and Aaron during their exodus from Egypt to the promised land. The apostle Paul also addresses grumbling in his epistles to early Christian communities, demonstrating that this guidance is not confined to the historical context of the Old Testament, but also applicable to all believers.
When Does the Bible Suggest Practicing Gratitude Instead of Grumbling?
The Bible consistently suggests practicing gratitude instead of grumbling, irrespective of circumstances. It encourages adopting a spirit of thankfulness, even in times of difficulty or uncertainty. This advice sprouts from the belief that God is in control of every situation and His plans are for our ultimate good. Therefore, it is recommended to focus on expressing gratitude for God’s mercy and blessings, rather than resorting to grumbling and discontent.
Below is our full list of bible verses on grumbling (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Grumbling
Philippians 2:14-16
“14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”
Related Themes: Complaining Attitude Complaining Holiness
Philippians 2:14
“14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:”
Related Themes: Complaining Attitude Complaining Holiness
Exodus 16:7-8
“7 And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us?8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.”
Related Themes: Complaining
James 5:9
“9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.”
Related Themes: Complaining Criticism Judging Others Gossip Patience
John 6:41-43
“41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.”
Related Themes: Complaining
1 Peter 4:9
“9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”
Related Themes: Complaining Strangers Hospitality Service Community
Numbers 14:27
“27 How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.”
Related Themes: Complaining
1 Corinthians 10:8-11
“8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”
Related Themes: Adultery Impurity Indulgence
Numbers 14:2
“2 And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!”
Related Themes: Complaining
Exodus 15:24
“24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?”
Related Themes: Complaining
1 Corinthians 10:10
“10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.”
Related Themes: Complaining Discontent
John 6:61
“61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?”
Related Themes: Complaining
James 4:1-3
“1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”
Related Themes: Lust Complaining Arguing
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Related Themes: Complaining Frustration Gratitude Thankfulness Attitude
1 Timothy 2:8
“8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”
Related Themes: Complaining Arguing Prayer Jewelry Doubt
Philippians 2:14-15
“14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”
Related Themes: Complaining Attitude Complaining Holiness
Romans 12:2
“2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Creativity Attitude Business
Luke 1:37
“37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Criticism Strangers Creativity Faith
Exodus 16:8
“8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.”
Related Themes: Complaining
Ephesians 4:29
“29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Related Themes: Gossip Criticism Complaining Judging Others Cursing
Philippians 2:12
“12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Related Themes: Complaining Pleasing God Reverence Character
Philippians 2:15
“15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”
Related Themes: Complaining Arguing Light Holiness Perfection
John 6:41
“41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.”
Related Themes: Complaining
