Bible Verses About Complaining and Murmuring

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 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."

"Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer."

"Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door."

"And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp."

"These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage."

"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."

"I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble."

"Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?"

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

"The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD."

What does the Bible say about complaining and murmuring?

The Israelites in the wilderness became the Bible's most famous complainers — and their grumbling had serious consequences. Scripture consistently warns against murmuring and calls us to replace complaints with gratitude. Key King James Version passages include Philippians 2:14-15, 1 Corinthians 10:10, James 5:9. This page collects 10 KJV verses about complaining and murmuring, each quoted in full.

Is complaining a sin?

Chronic grumbling and murmuring are warned against throughout Scripture (Philippians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 10:10). However, honest lament brought directly to God — as seen in the Psalms — is different from complaining. God invites our honesty but warns against ungrateful murmuring.

How can I stop complaining?

Practice gratitude intentionally (1 Thessalonians 5:18), catch yourself when complaints arise and redirect to prayer, surround yourself with positive influences, and remember God's past faithfulness.