What Is the Opposite of Grumbling?

Have you ever had to make decisions that directly affected other people? (Of course!) Has anyone ever complained about your decisions? Anyone who has been a parent can answer, “Yes.” Bosses and teachers and those who work in service-oriented organizations—they can all answer, “Yes.” Surely you’ve heard a variation of the saying, “You can’t please everyone.”

One biblical character stands out in this respect, a leader who was careful to follow God. Yet, he sometimes received strong complaints and grumbling from the people he led.

God told Moses to go to the Pharaoh of Egypt and request Israel’s release. Pharaoh accused the Israelites of being lazy, and he increased their workload. When the word reached the Israelites, they complained to Moses for the difficulty they had to endure. (Exodus 5.)

When Israel had come out of Egypt, they were encamped at the Red Sea. They complained to Moses out of fear for their lives when they saw Pharaoh’s army in pursuit. (Exodus 14.)

After crossing the Red Sea and setting out on their journey to Mount Sinai, Israel grumbled at Moses when they came to water that was unfit to drink. (Exodus 15.)

Days later Israel complained to Moses that they were about to starve to death on their journey. They remembered meat and filling meals in Egypt. (Exodus 16.)

Once again Israel grumbled against Moses because of a lack of water. They accused Moses of bringing them out of Egypt to die. (Exodus 17.)

After Israel had sent spies into the Promised Land and heard their report, they followed the faithless men who were afraid. That night Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron wishing they had all died in Egypt! (Numbers 14)

Later Korah complained against Moses. Leading a rebellion, he challenged Moses’ authority as leader of Israel. (Numbers 16.)

How did God view all the complaining and grumbling of Israel? He called it quarreling and said that Israel was testing Him. (Exodus 17:7)

Complaining and grumbling are serious offenses against God. Go back and read the chapters noted. You will find self-centered people who lacked genuine faith in God. This is also brought out in the Book of Jude where his readers are warned about some who had crept into the church. Jude described them as “grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts….” (Jude 16.)

The grumbling considered here is not about legitimate legal complaints or real injustices. As all the examples show, this is about fault-finding and selfish attitudes. Grumblers are always looking inward because things are not working out the way they would like. They lack faith in God’s provision. They lack faith in God’s design for authority. They lack faith in God’s instruction. In reality, they trust in themselves.

Making application is challenging:

• Jesus said to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44)
• Children are to honor and obey their parents. (Eph. 6)
• Christians are to submit to governing authority. (Romans 13)
• The church is to submit to local leadership, the elders. (Hebrews 13:7)

Of all people, Moses could have grumbled. Grumblers are arrogant, but he was humble. The Apostle Paul could have complained about his sufferings, but he chose contentment.

How did you do in 2020? 

Do you need a fresh start in 2021? 

Don't test God. 

Stand opposite grumbling by embracing faith, humility and contentment.


Mark Stinnett

December 27, 2020