Complaining vs Contentment (Adapted)

Brother Neff’s Collections – March 24, 2015

August 8, 2026

Numbers 11:1 And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled….

The children of Israel were guilty on numerous occasions of displeasing the Lord by complaining. Their complaining angered God. They complained about the general difficulty of the journey, the presence of giants in Canaan, the lack of food or water, the absence of Moses when he was away seeking God, etc.  

Most people would not consider complaining to be a serious sin, but when “the LORD heard it; his anger was kindled.”

I am sure that most of us are guilty of complaining occasionally. Like the children of Israel, perhaps we have momentarily forgotten the many blessings and gifts of God. When we focus on ourselves and forget Who God is and what He has done for us and the great gift of salvation He has given us and the future He has for us in heaven—the result is complaining. 

Complaining also indicates a lack of trust in God and discontentment with His will for our lives.

From a prison where Paul was rejoicing, he wrote that we are to be content with the basic necessities of life. Not only is complaining an expression of personal discontent, it also helps to spread discontentment.  May God help us all to learn to be content and rejoice in the blessings of God.

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Reflection—Contentment is possible whether in the pit, the prison, or the palace.