45 Powerful Bible Verses on Murmuring and Grumbling

Introduction – Why the Bible Warns Against Murmuring

Have you ever found yourself murmuring about life’s challenges or grumbling when things didn’t go your way? We all do it sometimes, but the Bible shows us that murmuring is not just a small complaint it’s a dangerous attitude that displeases God. When we grumble, we lose sight of His blessings and forget His faithfulness. Instead of murmuring, God calls us to live with gratitude, trust, and contentment.

In this blog, we will look at 45 powerful Bible verses on murmuring and grumbling that remind us to keep our hearts pure, our faith strong, and our lips filled with praise.

What Does the Bible Say About Murmuring?

Murmuring is not just a small complaint it’s a reflection of a heart that is not fully trusting God. The Bible verses on murmuring and grumbling remind us that this attitude brings displeasure to the Lord and blocks His blessings in our lives. Instead of building faith, murmuring weakens our spirit and creates distance between us and God.

We see this clearly in the story of the Israelites in the wilderness. Even after God rescued them from slavery in Egypt, they constantly complained about food, water, and leadership. Their murmuring brought God’s judgment, and many of them never entered the Promised Land. This shows how dangerous it is to grumble instead of trusting God’s provision.

In the New Testament, Paul warns the Corinthians not to follow the same pattern of murmuring, reminding them of the Israelites’ downfall. Even Jesus faced murmuring when the Jews questioned His teachings, but He responded with truth and grace. Through these examples, the Bible teaches us to avoid murmuring and to replace it with gratitude and faith in God’s promises.

Lessons from Miriam and Aaron’s Murmuring Against Moses

The story of Miriam and Aaron in Numbers 12 teaches us how dangerous murmuring in the Bible can be. Even though they were close to Moses and had seen God’s mighty works, their hearts fell into jealousy and complaint. This passage shows us that murmuring is not just about words—it reflects the condition of our hearts before God.

When we murmur, we are not only speaking against people but also against the will of God. The account of Miriam and Aaron reminds us that God listens to every word we speak, and He takes murmuring seriously.

Miriam and Aaron Speak Against Moses

Miriam and Aaron began to question Moses’ leadership because of the Cushite woman he had married. Their words were filled with comparison and pride. Instead of honoring Moses as the servant chosen by God, they allowed jealousy to lead them into murmuring. This reminds us how quickly dissatisfaction can damage relationships and dishonor God.

God’s Response to Murmuring

The Lord immediately called Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to the tent of meeting. God made it clear that Moses was His faithful servant, one who spoke with Him face-to-face. By defending Moses, God showed that murmuring against His chosen leader was the same as murmuring against Him. This response teaches us that God does not overlook murmuring but confronts it with truth and authority.

Consequence and Restoration

As a consequence of her murmuring, Miriam was struck with leprosy and had to live outside the camp for seven days. This punishment revealed the seriousness of her sin. Yet, through Moses’ intercession, God showed mercy and restored her. This part of the story reminds us that even when murmuring brings judgment, God’s grace is still available for those who repent.

45 Bible Verses on Murmuring and Grumbling

Old Testament Verses on Murmuring

1) Exodus 15:24 (KJV)

“And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?”

Reflection: Complaining makes us focus on lack instead of God’s provision. Trust that He hears and will provide.

2) Exodus 16:2 (KJV)

“And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:”

Reflection: Even in hard seasons God is with us. Complaining weakens our faith; gratitude strengthens it.

3) Exodus 16:7 (KJV)

“And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us?”

Reflection: God hears our complaints. He wants us to see His glory, not stay stuck in grumbling.

4) Exodus 16:8 (KJV)

“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.”

Reflection: Complaining about leaders often really complains against God. Guard your words and trust His plan.

5) Exodus 16:12 (KJV)

“I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.”

Reflection: God both hears and provides. Remember His past help when you are tempted to complain.

6) Exodus 17:3 (KJV)

“And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?”

Reflection: Fear makes us complain. Instead of accusing God, bring your needs to Him in faith.

7) Numbers 11:1 (KJV)

“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.”

Reflection: Complaining grieves the Lord. Persistent grumbling can bring sorrow and consequences.

8) Numbers 11:4 (KJV)

“And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?”

Reflection: Craving the wrong things fuels more complaint. Contentment protects the heart.

9) Numbers 12:1 (KJV)

“And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.”

Reflection: Jealousy leads to criticism. Speak with humility, not words that wound.

10) Numbers 12:2 (KJV)

”And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.”

Reflection: God hears words of doubt and pride. Check your motives before you speak.

11) Numbers 14:2 (KJV)

“And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!”

Reflection: Longing for the past shows misplaced trust. Courage grows when we rely on God’s path.

12) Numbers 14:27 (KJV)

“How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.”

Reflection: God is patient but not indifferent. Persistent grumbling grieves Him.

13) Numbers 14:29 (KJV)

“Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; … which have murmured against me,”

Reflection: Words have consequences. Choose faith over complaint.

14) Numbers 14:36 (KJV)

“And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land,”

Reflection: Negative reports lead others away from trust. Be a voice of faith, not fear.

15) Numbers 14:37 (KJV)

“Even those men … died by the plague before the LORD.”

Reflection: False reports and reckless complaining can bring serious results. Speak truth with love.

16) Numbers 16:11 (KJV)

“For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?”

Reflection: Complaining against God’s choices is rebellion. Honor the leaders He appoints.

17) Numbers 16:41 (KJV)

“But on the morrow all the congregation … murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.”

Reflection: Crowd anger can fuel false accusations. Seek God’s perspective, not the crowd’s noise.

18) Numbers 17:5 (KJV)

“And it shall come to pass, that the man’s rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.”

Reflection: God confirms His chosen ones to stop unrest. Trust His ways rather than murmuring.

19) Numbers 17:10 (KJV)

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron’s rod again before the testimony … and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.”

Reflection: God’s faithful signs bring peace and end needless complaint. Look for His faithfulness.

20) Numbers 20:3 (KJV)

“And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!”

Reflection: Angry words come quickly in hardship. Respond with prayer, not accusation.

21) Numbers 21:5 (KJV)

“And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? … our soul loatheth this light bread.”

Reflection: Discontent twists God’s provision into complaint. Remember His deliverance.

22) Deuteronomy 1:27 (KJV)

“And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth … to destroy us.”

Reflection: Private grumbling reveals a doubting heart. Turn complaints into prayer.

23) Deuteronomy 9:7 (KJV)

“Remember, and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness … ye have been rebellious against the LORD.”

Reflection: Remember past failures so you don’t repeat them. Repent and return.

24) Psalm 106:25 (KJV)

“But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.”

Reflection: Ignoring God’s voice leads to complaint. Stay attentive to His leading.

25) Isaiah 29:24 (KJV)

“They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.”

Reflection: Those who once murmured can learn and grow. God teaches and restores the humble.

New Testament Verses on Grumbling

26) Matthew 20:11 (KJV)

“And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,”

Reflection: Seeing others receive favor can tempt us to grumble. Celebrate God’s generosity.

27) Luke 5:30 (KJV)

“But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?”

Reflection: Critics often judge God’s grace. Respond with mercy instead of murmuring.

28) Luke 15:2 (KJV)

“And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.”

Reflection: People grumbled at Jesus’ mercy. God’s love often goes beyond human judgment.

29) Luke 19:7 (KJV)

”And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.”

Reflection: People murmured about Jesus’ choices, but grace changed lives. Let grace guide you.

30) John 6:41 (KJV)

“The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.”

Reflection: When truth challenges us, we may complain. Let truth shape faith, not protests.

31) John 6:43 (KJV)

“Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.”

Reflection: Jesus plainly told them to stop murmuring. Choose to listen and trust His words.

32) John 6:61 (KJV)

“When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?”

Reflection: When people are offended, Jesus invites reflection. Ask God for understanding, not complaint.

33) John 7:12 (KJV)

“And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.”

Reflection: Mixed opinions cause murmuring. Seek clarity in God’s word, not in rumor.

34) Acts 6:1 (KJV)

“And in those days … there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.”

Reflection: Complaints in the church show a real need. Address issues with fairness and prayer.

35) 1 Corinthians 10:10 (KJV)

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

Reflection: History warns us: murmuring led to judgment. Learn and choose gratitude instead.

36) Philippians 2:14 (KJV)

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings:”

Reflection: Do everything without grumbling. This reflects Christ in us.

37) Philippians 2:15 (KJV)

“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God … among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”

Reflection: A life without grumbling lets you shine as a witness for Christ.

38) James 5:9 (KJV)

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

Reflection: Don’t grumble against others. Show patience and mercy because the Judge is near.

39) 1 Peter 4:9 (KJV)

“Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”

Reflection: Show hospitality without complaint. Serve others as an expression of love.

40) Jude 1:16 (KJV)

“These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; … having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.”

Reflection: Self-centered living produces murmuring. Choose humility over self-interest.

41) 1 Corinthians 10:9 (KJV)

“Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.”

Reflection: Don’t test God with complaints. Trust His protection and provision.

42) 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)

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

Reflection: Give thanks in all things. Thankfulness is God’s will for you.

43) Colossians 3:15 (KJV)

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts … and be ye thankful.”

Reflection: Let God’s peace govern your heart and be thankful. Peace and gratitude go together.

44) Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good … that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Reflection: Let your words build others up. Avoid corrupt speech and complaining.

45) Colossians 4:6 (KJV)

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

Reflection: Speak with grace and wisdom. Season your words so they bring life, not complaint.

How to Overcome Murmuring with Gratitude

Murmuring often arises from dissatisfaction and lack of trust in God’s plan. But the Bible shows us that gratitude, prayer, and faith are powerful tools to overcome this habit. By shifting our focus from problems to God’s promises, we can live with joy and peace.

Here are practical ways to overcome murmuring:

• Replace complaints with thanksgiving

Reflection: Instead of focusing on what’s missing, thank God for what you already have. Gratitude shifts your heart from negativity to contentment.

• Pray instead of murmuring

Reflection: Take your frustrations to God in prayer. When you turn complaints into prayers, you invite His peace and wisdom into your situation.

• Trust God’s timing

Reflection: Murmuring often comes from impatience. Trust that God’s timing is perfect, even when life feels delayed or uncertain.

• Follow Philippians 2:14 (“Do everything without grumbling”)

Reflection: This verse reminds us that our actions should reflect God’s joy. A life free of murmuring shines as a testimony of faith to others.

FAQs: About Bible Verses on Murmuring and Grumbling

Conclusion – Choosing Thankfulness Over Complaints

The Bible makes it clear that murmuring does not bring solutions but instead closes the door to God’s blessings. Complaining reflects doubt, while gratitude reflects trust in God’s goodness. When we choose thanksgiving, even in trials, we invite His peace and joy into our hearts.

As you meditate on these 45 Bible verses on murmuring and grumbling, may your heart be strengthened to turn every complaint into praise. Let your words be filled with faith, not frustration, and watch how God transforms your attitude and circumstances.

”The Bible makes it clear: murmuring hinders blessings, but gratitude opens the door to God’s presence. For more encouragement, you can also read these inspirational church growth quotes that strengthen faith and promote a thankful heart.”

Which verse touched you most? Share your thoughts in the comments below we’d love to hear from you.