What does the Bible teach us about grumbling and complaining? The Greek meaning of the word complainer means, “one who is discontented with his lot in life.” The first complainer was the very first man, Adam. After he sinned in the Garden of Eden, he complained to God that Eve was the reason for his disobedience.
“Then the man said, ‘The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.’”
Complaining is a part of human nature, that is, our sin nature. There is a long list of complaints throughout the Word of God. Job complained about his suffering and material losses. Jacob complained about his first marriage. Queen Esther’s enemy, Haman, complained to King Ahasuerus about the Jews in the land. Jonah even complained about the mercy and grace God showed the people of Nineveh.
Prayer is an avenue in which we can have honest conversations with our Creator. We are instructed to come boldly before the throne of God. He will listen to our grumbles and complaints, but it is best to petition for strength and understanding while conveying frustrations and disappointments. The prayer closet is a sanctuary for all believers but discontentment is a sign we have not accepted God’s plan and will for us.
As believers and lights of the world, should we join in conversations where grumbling is the focus? Discontent breeds bitterness, anger, and often ill will. Scripture warns us to refrain from complaining, especially in front of non-believers.
“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” Philippians 2:14-15 (NKJV)
“Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” James 5:9 (NKJV)
With elections in the forefront, it is easy to fall into negative political conversations. It would be so much better if we petitioned God, in our prayer closet, for His pick regarding leadership. Requesting God’s will in such matters will ease our worries over political figures and provide us with peace of mind. There is no authority higher than God, and He appoints all earthly authorities.
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” Romans 13:1-2 (NKJV)
The apostle Paul wrote about contentment, the solution to our habit of grumbling. He understood that God was our all and all, our everything. Nothing else can fill us with absolute peace and contentment. The knowledge of God, His love and sacrifice, is the key to accepting all circumstances in life.
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13 (NKJV)
To wrestle with God is acceptable, but you might get your hip knocked out of socket (Gen. 32:25). To blame God and speak ill of Him is sinful. When the urge to grumble arises, consider these facts first. God’s ways are not our ways as His thoughts are so much higher than our own. God loves us unconditionally and disciplines those He calls His own. God knows our future and how to get us down the path of life. Finally, we live in a fallen world where man still has a free will.