God Hates Complaining

The Bible strongly warns against griping, complaining, and grumbling -  emphasizing that we must have gratitude and trust in God instead. When we complain, our focus shifts away from the promised Word of God as we dwell on the negatives. We stop trusting in God to lead us through the imminent problem into full victory. Instead, we believe the lies of the devil, who is the father of lies. Griping demonstrates our lack of trust in God.

Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV) – "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky." This verse reminds believers that complaining is a sign of a bad attitude, which dims our testimony.

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The Israelites constantly complained against Moses and Aaron, but ultimately, their griping was directed at God Himself. Even after experiencing the parting of the Red Sea, manna from heaven, a pillar of fire by night, and a cloud by day to lead them, they still found fault with their journey. Even their shoes did not wear out, and their every need was met. What a bunch of spoiled brats! Moses had to keep reminding the Israelites of all that God had done for them.

Exodus 16:8 (NIV) – "Moses also said, ‘You will know that it was the Lord when He gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning because He has heard your grumbling against Him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.’"

There are consequences to our griping. Remember, our words bring life or death. We see an example of this in:

Numbers 14:27-30 (NIV) – “How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. So tell them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord, I will do to you the very thing I heard you say: In this wilderness, your bodies will fall—all of you twenty years old or more who were counted in the census and who have grumbled against me.’”

The Israelites’ constant complaining resulted in wandering the desert for 40 years instead of entering the Promised Land. Another warning comes from:

1 Corinthians 10:10 (NIV) – "And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel."

Paul reminds the church that griping was one of the sins that led to destruction in the Old Testament.

When we are tempted to gripe, we should do the opposite—start praising our Lord! We know that He inhabits our praises.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) – "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Instead of complaining, we should rejoice, pray, and give thanks—even in difficult times.

Colossians 3:17 (NIV) – "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Everything we do should be done with gratitude and a heart that honors God.

Psalm 34:1 (NIV) – "I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips."

Praise and thanksgiving should replace griping in a believer’s life.

Griping is not just a bad habit—it reflects a heart that lacks faith and gratitude. The Bible teaches that complaining leads to consequences, while gratitude and trust in God lead to peace and joy.

When tempted to gripe, remember:
✅ Praise God instead of complaining.
✅ Trust Him in difficult circumstances.
✅ Be grateful for what you do have.