Living and character
What does the Bible say about complaining?
Israel's grumbling in the wilderness is a warning, and the New Testament calls us to do everything without complaining, with thanksgiving instead.
What Scripture says
Philippians 2:14-15
“Do all things without complaining and arguing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without defect in the middle of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world,”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.”
Numbers 11:1
“The people were complaining in the ears of the LORD. When the LORD heard it, his anger burned; and the LORD’s fire burned among them, and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.”
James 5:9
“Don’t grumble, brothers, against one another, so that you won’t be judged. Behold, the judge stands at the door.”
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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. See all Bible questions or verses by topic.