What Does the Bible Say About Complaining?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines complaining as expressing grief, pain, or discontent. To find fault in something. For some people complaining about things provides some measure of relief from the many life stresses they experience. Complaining can get attention, reassurance, and sympathy; it can feel validating, especially when the listener might agree with what troubles the complainer.

But we all complain: did you know the average person complains anywhere between 15 to 30 times a day? In this article, I want to show you what complaining can do to your body, what the bible says about complaining, and a prayer to help you stay positive.

ALL I WANT TO DO IS COMPLAIN

In 2019, I sat interviewing a new waitress in the restaurant my parents owned. I was sharing with her what I was going to do after the interview. And was expressing the fact that I had to go to Walmart for groceries and that I didn’t want to go. I really don’t like grocery shopping. And I am sure many of you would agree with me.

But this time as I was talking with her the holy spirit brought to my mind, kids and families that go without food on a daily basis. And the homeless or the families that don’t have the luxury of eating three meals a day.

I have food on the table every day. And here I am complaining about going to get groceries.

The bible says in Ephesians 4 verse 29, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."( NIV version)

Research from Stanford University has found that complaining reduces the size of your hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and problem-solving. The study found that engaging in complaining or simply hearing someone complain for more than 30 mins could physically damage your brain.

COMPLAINING IS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH

Not only is complaining bad for your brain, but it is also bad for your health. When you complain, the hormone cortisol is released into the body, which is also responsible for your fight-or-flight response. When your fight-or-flight response is activated, your brain redirects blood, oxygen, and energy away from non-essential systems. Repeated complaining results in cortisol being released in higher levels, putting you more at risk of developing heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and strokes.

In the bible, it says in Philippians 2 verse 14,  "Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining (against God) and questioning and doubting (among yourselves)..." (Amplified version)

A PRAYER TO HELP YOU TO STOP COMPLAINING

Heavenly Father, Thank you for reminding me that complaining can be damaging to my body. Keep my mind from thinking negatively about a situation and help me instead to think positively. Bring to mind all the good you have done in my life. And turn this situation that I am in into a blessing that you can use for your glory. Help me to be more like Christ and less like the world. I want to show others your amazing grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

CONCLUSION

So before you start to complain. You have a choice. Sure the situation may be awful. But you can choose to focus on the good things about the situation and all the good the Lord has done in your life. Or you can choose to focus on the negative and hurt not only yourself but the people around you.

Ask the Lord to help you remember the good in your life and all that he has done for you. Trust that he will show you that no matter what you go through he will never leave you or forsake you. God can turn a horrible situation into a blessing. You just need to believe and trust that he will.

THIS MAY INTEREST YOU! A great way to help you stop complaining is to keep track of what you are thankful for. And a good way to do that is to start a gratitude journal.

Cultivating a daily gratitude habit strengthens your faith and opens your heart to see God’s hand in every moment. This 90-day Christian gratitude journal is more than just a place to write—it’s a tool to deepen your relationship with God, shift your focus from circumstances to His unchanging love, and remind you of your identity in Christ.

Each day, you’ll be guided to reflect on God’s blessings, recognize His faithfulness, and grow in thankfulness for the gift of salvation. As you praise the Lord with a grateful heart, you’ll experience renewed joy, peace, and a stronger spiritual foundation.

If you’re ready to transform your perspective and embrace gratitude as a way of life, this journal is for you. Start your 90-day journey today and let gratitude draw you closer to God. Gratitude Journal: Dickess, Mrs. Cori J: Amazon.com: Books

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