Bible Verses

The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Bitterness

Updated:
February 25, 2025
|
Author:
Joseph Cox

Bitterness can creep into our lives in many ways, often leaving us feeling stuck and overwhelmed. This article offers 50 Bible verses to help you navigate and overcome those feelings.

These verses provide wisdom and comfort, guiding you toward a path of healing and peace. Whether you're dealing with personal struggles or seeking to support someone else, these scriptures can be a valuable resource.

50 Bible Verses About Bitterness

10 Bible Verses on Overcoming Bitterness

Philippians 4:13
  • "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." — Philippians 4:13
  • "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." — Ephesians 4:31-32
  • "Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled." — Hebrews 12:15
  • "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." — James 1:19-20
  • "Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." — Colossians 3:13
  • "But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." — 1 Peter 5:10
  • "Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." — 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
  • "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." — Romans 12:21
  • "To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." — Isaiah 61:3
  • "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." — Psalm 34:18

10 Bible Verses on Bitterness and Forgiveness

Matthew 6:14-15
  • "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." — Matthew 6:14-15
  • "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses." — Mark 11:25
  • "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." — Luke 6:37
  • "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." — Ephesians 4:32
  • "Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." — Colossians 3:13
  • "Then Peter came to Him and said, 'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.'" — Matthew 18:21-22
  • "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." — James 5:16
  • "So that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow." — 2 Corinthians 2:7
  • "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him." — Luke 17:3-4
  • "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord." — Romans 12:19

10 Bible Verses on The Roots of Bitterness

Hebrews 12:15
  • "Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled." — Hebrews 12:15
  • "So that there may not be among you man or woman or family or tribe, whose heart turns away today from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations, and that there may not be among you a root bearing bitterness or wormwood." — Deuteronomy 29:18
  • "For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." — Acts 8:23
  • "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." — Ephesians 4:31
  • "You who tear yourself in anger, shall the earth be forsaken for you? Or shall the rock be removed from its place?" — Job 18:4
  • "The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy." — Proverbs 14:10
  • "He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes." — 1 John 2:9-11
  • "But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!" — Galatians 5:15
  • "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." — Matthew 15:19
  • "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness." — Romans 3:14

10 Bible Verses on Bitterness in Relationships

Proverbs 15:17
  • "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred." — Proverbs 15:17
  • "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." — 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
  • "With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." — Ephesians 4:2
  • "Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them." — Colossians 3:19
  • "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous." — 1 Peter 3:8
  • "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." — Galatians 6:1
  • "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." — Romans 14:19
  • "He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends." — Proverbs 17:9
  • "And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." — Matthew 7:3-5
  • "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

10 Bible Verses on Healing from Bitterness

Psalm 147:3
  • "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." — Psalm 147:3
  • "For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord." — Jeremiah 30:17
  • "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." — Isaiah 53:5
  • "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." — 2 Chronicles 7:14
  • "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." — James 4:8
  • "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." — Matthew 11:28-30
  • "Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed." — 1 Peter 2:24
  • "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." — Revelation 21:4
  • "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies." — Psalm 103:2-4
  • "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." — 2 Corinthians 5:17

What Does the Bible Say About Bitterness

Bitterness is a heavy burden that can weigh down our hearts and minds. The Bible offers many verses that guide us on how to deal with these feelings. These scriptures provide wisdom and comfort, helping us find a path to healing and peace. By reflecting on these teachings, we can learn to let go of bitterness and embrace a more compassionate and hopeful outlook on life.

One key theme in the Bible is the importance of forgiveness. Verses like Matthew 6:14-15 remind us that forgiving others is essential for our own forgiveness. Holding onto grudges only deepens our bitterness. By forgiving, we free ourselves from the chains of resentment and open our hearts to healing.

Another theme is the need to avoid anger and wrath. Ephesians 4:31-32 advises us to put away bitterness, wrath, and anger, and instead be kind and tenderhearted. Anger can cloud our judgment and lead us down a path of negativity. By choosing kindness, we can break the cycle of bitterness.

The Bible also speaks about the roots of bitterness. Hebrews 12:15 warns us to be careful lest any root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble. Bitterness often starts small but can grow if left unchecked. Recognizing and addressing these roots early can prevent them from taking hold in our lives.

Finally, the Bible offers hope for healing from bitterness. Psalm 147:3 tells us that God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. No matter how deep our bitterness, there is always hope for healing. By turning to God and seeking His guidance, we can find the strength to overcome bitterness and move forward with a renewed spirit.

How to Apply These Bible Verses About Bitterness

Applying Bible teachings about bitterness in real life can bring profound changes to your daily experiences. These verses offer practical wisdom that can help you navigate through difficult emotions and relationships.

  • Start Your Day with Prayer: Begin each morning by asking God to help you let go of any bitterness and to fill your heart with love and forgiveness.
  • Practice Forgiveness: Make it a habit to forgive those who have wronged you, even if it’s hard. Remember, forgiveness is more for your peace than for theirs.
  • Reflect on Scripture: Spend a few minutes each day reading and meditating on Bible verses about bitterness. Let these words guide your thoughts and actions.
  • Join a Supportive Community: Engage with a church group or a Bible study class. Sharing your struggles and hearing others’ experiences can provide comfort and encouragement.
  • Keep a Gratitude Journal: Write down things you are thankful for each day. Focusing on the positive can help shift your mindset away from bitterness.
  • Act with Kindness: Make a conscious effort to be kind and compassionate, even to those who may have hurt you. Small acts of kindness can break the cycle of bitterness.

Remember, God is always with you, offering strength and guidance. Faith-driven transformation is possible, and you can overcome bitterness with His help.

For more prayers and Bible verses, visit PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.

Start Your Day with Faith and Inspiration!
Sign up to receive a daily prayer and Bible verse straight to your inbox. Begin each morning with words of hope and guidance.
Thank you! 🙏
Oops! Something went wrong, please try again.
OTHER RELATED PRAYERS & VERSES