What does the Bible say about bitterness?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that bitterness is a sinful, destructive root that believers must put away through Christ's forgiving grace. Ephesians 4:31-32 calls Christians to reject bitterness, wrath, and malice, replacing them with kindness and forgiveness as God has forgiven us in Christ. Hebrews 12:15 cautions that bitterness can grow, trouble many, and defile a whole community. It often springs from unresolved anger, injury, or envy, but the gospel frees us from nursing grievances. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:14-15 that forgiven people are to forgive others. By seeking peace, confessing sin, and relying on the Spirit, believers may overcome bitterness with love.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ephesians 4:31 4 votes
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice.
- Hebrews 12:15 3 votes
looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you and many be defiled by it,
- Ephesians 4:31-32 3 votes
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
- Acts 8:23 2 votes
For I see that you are in the poison of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.”
- Matthew 6:14-15 2 votes
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
- Ephesians 4:26 2 votes
“Be angry, and don’t sin.” Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath,
- Hebrews 12:14-15 2 votes
Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord, looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you and many be defiled by it,
- Romans 3:14 2 votes
“Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
- Colossians 3:8 2 votes
but now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.
- Proverbs 10:12 2 votes
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs.
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