“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” – Hebrews 12:15
Bible Verses About Bitterness
1 – Hebrews 12:15 – This verse reminds us of the importance of avoiding bitterness in our hearts, advising against letting it take root and disrupt our peace.
“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” – Hebrews 12:15
2 – Ephesians 4:31 – Here, we’re instructed to let go of bitterness, which only harms us and affects our relationships.
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” – Ephesians 4:31
3 – Colossians 3:19 – This verse highlights the detrimental effects of bitterness in relationships, especially in marriages.
“Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.” – Colossians 3:19
4 – James 3:14 – If we harbor bitterness, it can lead to feelings that damage our spiritual lives and the lives of others.
“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.” – James 3:14
5 – Proverbs 14:10 – This proverb underscores that our inner feelings are personal and not easily understood by others.
“The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.” – Proverbs 14:10
6 – 1 John 2:9 – Bitterness can stem from hatred, which is in stark contrast to the love Jesus teaches us to have.
“Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.” – 1 John 2:9
7 – Acts 8:23 – This verse speaks of the dangers of bitterness and how it can cloud our spiritual vision.
“For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” – Acts 8:23
8 – Romans 12:19 – Understanding that God is our ultimate judge can help alleviate our bitterness towards others.
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'” – Romans 12:19
9 – Ecclesiastes 7:9 – This verse shows that patience and controlling one’s temper is wiser than unleashing bitterness.
“Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:9
10 – 1 Peter 2:1 – Here, we learn that we need to shed negative feelings like bitterness to grow spiritually.
“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.” – 1 Peter 2:1
11 – Matthew 5:22 – This is a strong warning against the destructive nature of anger and resentment.
“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” – Matthew 5:22
12 – Proverbs 4:23 – This verse emphasizes guarding our hearts from feelings that may lead to bitterness.
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” – Proverbs 4:23
13 – John 16:33 – Jesus reassures us that despite bitterness and struggles we may face, victory is in Him.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
14 – Galatians 5:15 – This verse warns against allowing bitterness to turn us against one another.
“But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” – Galatians 5:15
15 – Matthew 18:35 – Here, we are reminded of the importance of forgiving others to avoid bitterness.
“So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” – Matthew 18:35
16 – 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 – This emphasizes the need to forgive to prevent Satan from taking advantage.
“Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” – 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
17 – Psalm 73:21-22 – This scripture reflects the internal struggle that bitterness can create within us.
“When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you.” – Psalm 73:21-22
18 – Hebrews 10:30 – Here, we learn about God being the ultimate judge to handle injustices, allowing us to surrender bitterness.
“For we know him who said, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay.’ And again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.'” – Hebrews 10:30
19 – Proverbs 15:1 – This encourages us to respond with kindness rather than bitterness.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
20 – Luke 6:37 – Jesus reminds us of the importance of forgiveness over bitterness.
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
21 – Micah 7:18-19 – This is a beautiful reminder of God’s mercy, encouraging us to let go of bitterness.
“Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot.” – Micah 7:18-19
22 – Isaiah 54:10 – This verse reassures us of God’s everlasting love and peace, helping us overcome bitterness.
“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” – Isaiah 54:10
23 – 1 Timothy 2:8 – Here, Paul encourages us to pray for others as a way to overcome the bitterness in our hearts.
“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.” – 1 Timothy 2:8
24 – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – This famous verse on love reminds us that love holds no bitterness.
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
25 – Proverbs 19:3 – Here, we’re taught about the possible consequences of foolishness that may lead to bitterness.
“When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD.” – Proverbs 19:3
26 – Matthew 6:14-15 – Jesus teaches us that forgiveness is crucial to receiving God’s forgiveness, which prevents bitterness.
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
27 – Psalm 147:3 – This Psalm encourages us that God can heal our broken hearts and sorrows, helping us move on from bitterness.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
28 – Romans 12:2 – This highlights the importance of renewing our minds, which can combat bitterness.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2
29 – Matthew 5:44 – Here, Jesus encourages us to love our enemies, a powerful antidote to bitterness.
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
30 – Psalm 103:10-12 – This passage beautifully expresses God’s forgiveness, urging us to let go of our bitterness.
“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:10-12
31 – Philippians 4:6-7 – This reminds us to bring everything to God in prayer, alleviating our burdens and bitterness.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
32 – Deuteronomy 29:18 – This warns us against letting bitterness take root, emphasizing the importance of staying connected to God.
“Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit.” – Deuteronomy 29:18
33 – 1 Corinthians 10:10 – This reminds us of the dangers of complaining, which is often intertwined with bitterness.
“Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the Destroyer.” – 1 Corinthians 10:10
34 – Luke 17:3 – This encourages us to care for each other in love and unity, diminishing any bitterness.
“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.” – Luke 17:3
35 – Isaiah 38:17 – This shows how God can turn evil into good, reducing our need for bitterness.
“Behold, it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction.” – Isaiah 38:17
36 – John 13:34-35 – Jesus called us to love one another, an essential antidote to bitterness.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” – John 13:34-35
37 – Psalm 32:1-2 – Reminding us of the blessing of forgiveness, contrasting with the burden of bitterness.
“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” – Psalm 32:1-2
38 – Colossians 3:8 – This challenges us to replace bitterness with kindness and love for others.
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” – Colossians 3:8
39 – Matthew 7:1-2 – Encouraging us to be careful with our judgments so we don’t fall into bitterness ourselves.
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” – Matthew 7:1-2
40 – Lamentations 3:19-20 – This reflects on the pain that bitterness can bring, motivating us to seek healing instead.
“The thought of my affliction and my wanderings is wormwood and gall. My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me.” – Lamentations 3:19-20
Final Thoughts
Bitterness is a heavy burden that weighs down our hearts and clouds our minds. The Bible provides various verses encouraging us to confront bitterness, guiding us to forgiveness and love instead. The reminder to let go of our resentments not only preserves our joy but strengthens our relationship with God and others. When we choose love, we find peace and freedom. Let us seek God’s help to overcome the bitterness that may be dwelling within us.
Feeling inspired to explore more? Check out Bible Verses About Jesus’ Sacrifice or perhaps look into Bible Verses About Temptation for more insights into overcoming struggles. Remember, God is always with you!