Jump to: Topical • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Complaining, as depicted in the Bible, is often associated with a lack of faith and trust in God's provision and sovereignty. Throughout Scripture, complaining is portrayed as a negative behavior that can lead to spiritual and communal consequences. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the dangers and implications of a complaining spirit.Old Testament Instances One of the most notable examples of complaining in the Old Testament is found in the narrative of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance and provision, the Israelites frequently complained about their circumstances. In Exodus 16:2-3 , the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, "If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt, where we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread! But you have brought us into this wilderness to starve this whole assembly to death." This pattern of complaining continued throughout their journey, as seen in Numbers 11:1 : "Soon the people began to complain about their hardship, and the LORD heard them. When His anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed the outskirts of the camp." The Israelites' complaints were not merely expressions of dissatisfaction but were indicative of a deeper issue of unbelief and ingratitude towards God. Consequences of Complaining The Bible illustrates that complaining can lead to severe consequences. In Numbers 14:27-29 , God responds to the Israelites' complaints about entering the Promised Land: "How long will this wicked congregation grumble against Me? I have heard the complaints that the Israelites are making against Me. So tell them: As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you exactly as I heard you say. Your bodies will fall in this wilderness—all who were numbered in the census, everyone twenty years of age or older—because you have grumbled against Me." This passage underscores that complaining can result in missing out on God's promises and blessings. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's will and purposes. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to address the issue of complaining, urging believers to adopt a different attitude. In Philippians 2:14-15 , the Apostle Paul instructs, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world." This exhortation highlights the importance of maintaining a positive and grateful attitude, which serves as a testimony to the world. Complaining is contrasted with the call to live blamelessly and to reflect the character of Christ. Spiritual Implications Complaining is often rooted in a lack of contentment and trust in God's plan. Hebrews 13:5 encourages believers to "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'" This verse emphasizes the importance of contentment and reliance on God's presence and provision. Furthermore, James 5:9 warns against grumbling against one another: "Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!" This admonition highlights the relational aspect of complaining and its potential to cause division within the community of believers. Practical Application Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and trust in God, even in challenging circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs, "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." By focusing on gratitude and God's faithfulness, believers can overcome the temptation to complain and instead live in a manner that honors God and edifies others. Topical Bible Verses Philippians 2:14Do all things without murmurings and disputings: Topicalbible.org Romans 13:1-14 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Complain.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia COMPLAININGkom-plan'-ing (tsewachah, "cry," "outcry," siach, "meditation," "complaint"): tsewachah is translated "complaining" (Psalm 144:14, the Revised Version (British and American)) "outcry," "no complaining (outcry) in our streets," i.e. "open places" where the people commonly assembled near the gate of the city (compare 2 Chronicles 32:6 Nehemiah 8:1); a picture of peace in the city (compare Isaiah 24:11 Jeremiah 14:2); some render "battlecry"; siach (the Revised Version (British and American) Proverbs 23:29, the King James Version "babbling"), of the drunkard. Greek 3202. mempsimoiros -- complaining of one's fate ... complaining of one's fate. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: mempsimoiros Phonetic Spelling: (mem-psim'-oy-ros) Short Definition: discontented ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3202.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 7879. siach -- complaint, musing... Word Origin from an unused word Definition complaint, musing NASB Word Usage complaining (1), complaint (8), concern (1), meditation (1), occupied (1), talk ( ... /hebrew/7879.htm - 6k Library Love's Complaining Complaining of Spiritual Sloth. Thanksgiving Versus Complaining Complaining of Spiritual Sloth. A Short Excusation of Him that Made this Book Teaching How all ... How that yet unto this Day all Actives Complain of Contemplatives ... The Cloud of Unknowing True Prudence Here Beginneth a Table of the Chapters Letter L. To Domnio. Thesaurus Complaining (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Complain. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. COMPLAINING. ... Multi-Version Concordance Complaining (3 Occurrences). ... /c/complaining.htm - 8k Complaint (29 Occurrences) Kindled (83 Occurrences) Outskirts (38 Occurrences) Groan (32 Occurrences) Iniquity (299 Occurrences) Raving (4 Occurrences) Micaiah (27 Occurrences) Murmuring (14 Occurrences) Misfortunes (2 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about complaining? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to guard your heart? | GotQuestions.org How can I overcome having a critical spirit? | GotQuestions.org Complaining: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Complaining (3 Occurrences)Numbers 11:1 Psalms 144:14 Proverbs 23:29 Subtopics Related Terms |
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