This is not a comprehensive list of scriptures on this subject by any means. However, it is offered here to encourage you to begin your own study of what the Bible says about this important subject. We encourage you to do more than just read these passages. Read the context also. Who is speaking, and when? What are the circumstances in which these words are spoken? Do you see yourself in these words? Do you see how they apply to you? Meditate on them. Discuss them with another person who is going through difficult times. Let God’s word speak to you.
Complaining About Suffering-
Judges 6:13
Job 5:7
Job 6:2, 3
Job 13:15
Job 14:1
Job 23:2-9
Psalms 73:1-16 (After the complaint, read the rest of the psalm.)
Ecclesiastes 7:15
Ecclesiastes 8:14
Jeremiah 12:1-4 (After Jeremiah’s complaint, God answers him directly.)
Jeremiah 15:15-18 (Read God’s reply in the following verses.)
Warning that those who serve God will suffer-
John 16:33
2 Corinthians 12:7
2 Timothy 2:3
2 Timothy 3:12
1 Peter 4:12, 13
The positive side of pain and suffering-
Psalm 119:67, 71
Isaiah 53:3-5
John 9:2, 3
2 Corinthians 12:10
Philippians 1:12-14
Hebrews 5: 8, 9
Hebrews 12:5-7, 10, 11
James 1:2-4
1 Peter 1:6, 7
1 Peter 2:21-24
Bad attitude toward pain and suffering-
Job 2:9
Job 3:3
Job 7:7
Good attitude toward pain and suffering-
Daniel 3:16-18
Matthew 26:39
Romans 12:14
Galatians 6:2
Philippians 1:19-26
Philippians 3:13, 14
Promises of help for God’s people in times of suffering-
Deuteronomy 32:10, 11
Psalms 9:9, 10
Psalms 46:1-3
Psalms 147:3
Isaiah 41:10
Lamentations 3:19-26, 33
John 16:33
Romans 6:5
Romans 8:18
Romans 8:28
1 Corinthians 10:13
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Philippians 4:13
Hebrews 4:15, 16
1 Peter 5:7
We hope these Scriptures will help in your study. Please share with us any comments or other Scriptures that you find helpful. - Roland Earnst
