Bitterness in the Bible

Compiled by The BibleStudyTools Staff on 09/07/2018
Bitterness in the Bible
What does the Bible say about bitterness? Bitterness is defined as anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly. It is synonymous with resentment and envy. One of the most well-known stories of bitterness in the Bible is the archetypal tale of Cain and Abel. Cain becomes consumed by bitterness for his brother and God when he feels unjustly treated relative to his prosperous brother Abel. Cain damns God and kills his brother out of hatred and pity for himself. This classic story warns us of the sinful essence of bitterness and to conversely have humility while in despair. We must take ownership of our situations and relinquish what is out of our control to God. Discover the most notable scripture quotes about bitterness in the Bible in this collection of verses!
23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”
8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
Colossians 3:13
13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Your Daily Verse - Ecclesiastes 7:9
9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
26 “In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
14 The Spirit then lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD on me.
17 Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.
11 “Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
1 “I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.
25 Another dies in bitterness of soul, never having enjoyed anything good.
Mark 11:25
25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
12 Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.
Proverbs 15:1
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
25 A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him.
14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
Matthew 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Your Daily Verse - James 1:19
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Hebrews 12:14
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.