Complaining

Also called: Criticism, Ingratitude, Murmuring

To express ingratitude or discontent in an unjustified way.

Top Bible Verses about Complaining

Numbers 11:1–3

And it happened, the people were like those who complain of hardship in the hearing of Yahweh, and Yahweh became angry, and the fire of Yahweh burned among them, and it consumed the edge of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to Yahweh, and the fire died down. And he called the name of that place Taberah because the fire of Yahweh burned among them. Read Numbers 11:1–3

Job 7:1–21

“Does not a human being have hard service on earth? And are not his days like the days of a laborer? Like a slave he longs for the shadow, and like a laborer he waits for his wages. So I had to inherit months of worthlessness, and nights of misery are apportioned to me. When I lie down, I say, ‘When shall I rise?’ But the night is long, and I have my fill of tossing until dawn. My body is clothed with maggots and clods of dust; my skin hardens, then it gives way again. “My days are swifter than … Read Job 7:1–21

Jeremiah 12:1–4

You will be in the right, O Yahweh, when I complain to you. Even so, let me speak my claims with you. Why does the way of the wicked succeed? All those who deal treacherously with treachery are at ease. Not only do you plant them, they take root. They grow, but also they produce fruit. You are near in their mouths, but far from their inmost beings. But you, O Yahweh, you know me, you see me, and you test that my heart is with you. Tear them apart like sheep for the slaughtering, and set them … Read Jeremiah 12:1–4

Jonah 4:1–3

And this was greatly displeasing to Jonah, and he became furious. And he prayed to Yahweh and said, “O Yahweh, was this not what I said while I was in my homeland? Therefore I originally fled to Tarshish, because I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and having great steadfast love, and one who relents concerning calamity. And so then, Yahweh, please take my life from me, because for me death is better than life!” Read Jonah 4:1–3

John 6:41–43

Now the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven,” and they were saying, “Is this one not Jesus the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Do not grumble among yourselves! Read John 6:41–43

Philippians 2:14–16

Do all things without grumbling and disputing, in order that you may become blameless and innocent, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine as stars in the world, holding fast to the word of life, for a source of pride to me in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Read Philippians 2:14–16

Famous Christian Quotes About Complaining, Criticism, Ingratitude, Murmuring

A Resolution to Not Act as One’s Own

Henceforth, I am not to act, in any respect, as my own. I shall act as my own if I ever make use of any of my powers to anything that is not to the glory of God, and do not make the glorifying of him my whole and entire business—if I murmur in the least at affliction; if I grieve at the prosperity of others; if I am in any way uncharitable; if I am angry because of injuries; if I revenge them; if I do anything purely to please myself, or if I avoid anything for the sake of my own ease; if I omit anything because it is great self-denial; if I trust to myself; if I take any of the praise of the good that I do, or that God does by me; or if I am in any way proud.

Jonathan Edwards

Suffer with Christ and Reign with Christ

When Christ was in the world, He was despised by men; in the hour of need He was forsaken by acquaintances and left by friends to the depths of scorn. He was willing to suffer and to be despised; do you dare to complain of anything? He had enemies and defamers; do you want everyone to be your friend, your benefactor? How can your patience be rewarded if no adversity tests it? How can you be a friend of Christ if you are not willing to suffer any hardship? Suffer with Christ and for Christ if you wish to reign with Him.

Thomas à Kempis

The Green Sailor Moves, Not the Rock

Why do you complain of waters going over your soul, and that the smoke of the terrors of a wrathful Lord almost suffocate you, and bring you to death’s brink? I know that the fault is in your eyes, not in Him. It is not the rock that flees and moves, but the green sailor. If your sense and apprehension are made judge of His love, there is a graven image made presently, even a changed god, and a foe god who was once a Friend God.

Samuel Rutherford

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