Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, complainers are individuals who express dissatisfaction or grumble against God, His provisions, or His appointed leaders. The Bible addresses the issue of complaining as a spiritual and moral concern, often associating it with a lack of faith and gratitude.Old Testament Instances The Israelites in the wilderness are perhaps the most notable example of complainers in the Bible. After their deliverance from Egypt, they frequently grumbled against Moses and Aaron, expressing dissatisfaction with their circumstances. In Exodus 16:2-3 , it is recorded, "And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 'If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt,' they said. 'There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!'" This pattern of complaining continued throughout their journey, as seen in Numbers 14:2 : "All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, 'If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness!'" The consequences of their complaints were severe. God viewed their grumbling as a rejection of His provision and leadership, leading to divine judgment. Numbers 14:27-29 states, "How long will this wicked congregation grumble against Me? I have heard the complaints that the Israelites are making against Me. So tell them: As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you exactly as I heard you say. Your bodies will fall in this wilderness—all who were numbered in the census, everyone twenty years of age or older—because you have grumbled against Me." New Testament Teachings The New Testament also addresses the issue of complaining, urging believers to adopt a spirit of contentment and gratitude. In Philippians 2:14-15 , the Apostle Paul instructs, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world." James 5:9 warns against grumbling against one another: "Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!" Spiritual Implications Complaining is often seen as a symptom of a deeper spiritual issue, such as a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. It reflects a heart that is not fully surrendered to God's will and purposes. The Bible encourages believers to cultivate a heart of thankfulness, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 : "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Practical Application Believers are called to replace complaining with praise and gratitude, recognizing God's faithfulness and provision in all circumstances. By doing so, they demonstrate trust in God's plan and reflect His light to the world. Library April 12. "They were as it Were, Complainers" (Num. xi. 1). Of Querulousness. The Life of Mr. John M'Clelland. The Declensions of Christianity, an Argument of Its Truth. Days of Heaven Upon Earth 1 Thess. 2:1-2. "For Kings. " Thanksgiving Versus Complaining Thoughts on Talking Grundtvig's Early Years The Epistle of Saint Jude. Thesaurus Complainers (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Complainers (1 Occurrence). Jude 1:16 These are murmurers and complainers, walking after their lusts (and ... /c/complainers.htm - 6k Jude (4 Occurrences) Loud-mouthed (1 Occurrence) Grumblers (1 Occurrence) Flattering (11 Occurrences) Flatter (5 Occurrences) Faultfinders (1 Occurrence) Malcontents (1 Occurrence) Murmurers (3 Occurrences) Complaining (3 Occurrences) Resources Who was Miriam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is up with Millennials? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Complainers (1 Occurrence)Jude 1:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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