Groaning is defined as a low, moaning sound; usually, a deep, mournful sound uttered in pain or great distress. Children of Israel were oppressed by the Egyptians, they groaned, and the Lord sent Moses to rescue them. In contrast, murmuring is defined as to utter complaints in a low, half-articulated voice; to feel or express dissatisfaction or discontent; to grumble.
The Nation of Israel was Murmuring, grumbling, and complaining against God for food, water, or meat. (Numbers 14:27) They were upset with Moses and Aaron as they were right in thinking that the duo had deceived them to kill them in the desert to die. They wanted to stone Moses to death. (Numbers 14: 9,10) They said; God has brought them to hand over to the Amorites. (Deuteronomy 1:27) Psalmist explains that they despised the Promise of God and the Promised land and they murmured against God. (Psalms 106:24-25) God knows the words that are not unuttered in the mind.
1) Discontentment: Contentment with Godliness is great gain. (I Timothy 6:6) Disciples should discipline to be content with what they have; in all situations. (Hebrews 13:5; Philippians 4:11)
2) Ungratefulness: This is a root for murmurs. Discipline of being thankful at all times, for all events and for all contexts will save us from an ungrateful, murmuring attitude. (I Thessalonian 5:16-18)
3) Selfishness: When a person is inward looking and not focused on others, will end up with great murmurs. (Philippians 2:4)
4) Lack of faith: These murmurers think that God is not aware of their situations; He is not in control. Sometimes they think God is not loving them and is no more interested in them. Then they murmur that God is not granting them trouble-free life.
“Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26) Groaning when overwhelmed by emotional turmoil or spiritual burden, and directed as prayers to God is a healthy practice. Complaining or murmuring or grumbling is sin.
Do I groan or complain?