Bitterness as the Root of Anger Problem in Christian Life

Bitterness, in a biblical context, is often depicted as a deep-seated emotional state that can lead to destructive behaviors, particularly anger. The term "bitter" can symbolize affliction, misery, and servitude ^[3]. For instance, the Chaldeans are described as a "bitter and hasty nation" (Habakkuk 1:6), and the "gall of bitterness" represents a state of great wickedness (Acts 8:23) ^[3]. A "root of bitterness" is identified as a wicked person or a dangerous sin that can corrupt a community ^{[3, 10]}.

The connection between bitterness and anger is evident in several biblical passages. Psalm 37:8 advises, "Put an end to your wrath and be no longer bitter; do not give way to angry feeling which is a cause of sin" ^[1]. This verse directly links bitterness with wrath and anger, suggesting that bitterness can be a precursor to sinful anger. Similarly, Proverbs 15:1 notes that "a bitter word is a cause of angry feelings" ^[6]. This highlights how bitter speech can provoke anger in others.

The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary on Ephesians 4:31 explains that "bitterness" refers to both a spirit and a manner of speech, contrasting it with kindness. This commentary suggests a progression where "bitterness" begets "wrath," which then leads to "anger," "clamour," and ultimately "evil-speaking" ^[8]. John Gill, in his commentary on Ephesians 4:28, suggests that "bitterness" can signify the initial offense taken in the mind ^[9]. He also notes that bitterness can arise from outward troubles, pains, and disappointments, or even from spiritual struggles ^[11].

Anger itself is described as an emotion of instant displeasure, an original susceptibility of human nature that is not inherently sinful ^[2]. However, it becomes sinful when it is causeless, excessive, or prolonged ^[2]. Torrey's Topical Textbook lists anger as forbidden in various passages, including Ecclesiastes 7:9, Matthew 5:22, and Romans 12:19, and identifies it as a "work of the flesh" in Galatians 5:20 ^[7]. It is often connected with pride, cruelty, clamor, evil-speaking, malice, blasphemy, strife, and contention ^[7].

The concept of a "root of bitterness" is particularly significant. Hebrews 12:15 warns against any "root of bitterness springing up" that might cause trouble and defile many. The Tyndale House Commentary on this verse explains that this alludes to people turning away from God's covenant to serve other gods, and warns that bitterness can corrupt the church ^[10]. Matthew Henry, commenting on Cain's murder of Abel, describes the corrupt nature as a "root of bitterness" that bears "gall and wormwood," illustrating how a seemingly small sin can open the door to greater evils ^[13].

Bitterness can manifest in various forms. Jeremiah 4:18 states, "Your way and your doings have brought these things to you. This is your wickedness; for it is bitter, for it reaches to your heart" ^[4]. This verse connects wickedness with bitterness that penetrates deeply. Isaiah 38:17 also speaks of bitterness, saying, "Look! Bitterness was bitter to me for peace" ^[5]. This suggests that bitterness can disrupt inner peace. John Gill, in his commentary on Proverbs 17:25, describes a foolish son as a "grief to his father" and a "bitterness to her that bare him," indicating the deep emotional pain and distress that bitterness can cause ^[12].

The biblical understanding thus portrays bitterness not merely as a fleeting emotion, but as a potentially deep-seated condition that can poison the spirit, corrupt relationships, and ultimately lead to sinful anger and other destructive behaviors.

Sources

Psalms “Psalms 37:8 (BBE) — Put an end to your wrath and be no longer bitter; do not give way to angry feeling which is a cause of sin.”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Anger — The emotion of instant displeasure on account of something evil that presents itself to our view. In itself it is an original susceptibility of our nature, just as love is, and is not necessarily sinful. It may, however, become sinful when causeless, or excessive, or protracted (Matt. 5:22; Eph. 4:26; Col. 3:8). As ascribed to God, it merely denotes his displeasure with sin and with sinners (Ps. 7:11).”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Bitter — Bitterness is symbolical of affliction, misery, and servitude (Ex. 1:14; Ruth 1:20; Jer. 9:15). The Chaldeans are called the "bitter and hasty nation" (Hab. 1:6). The "gall of bitterness" expresses a state of great wickedness (Acts 8:23). A "root of bitterness" is a wicked person or a dangerous sin (Heb. 12:15). The Passover was to be eaten with "bitter herbs" (Ex. 12:8; Num. 9:11). The kind of herbs so designated is not known. Probably they were any bitter herbs obtainable at the place and time when the Passover was celebrated. They represented the severity”
Jeremiah ““Your way and your doings have brought these things to you. This is your wickedness; for it is bitter, for it reaches to your heart.” -- Jeremiah 4:18”
Isaiah “Isaiah 38:17 (LEB) — Look! Bitterness was bitter to me for peace. And you were the one who loved my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back.”
Proverbs “Proverbs 15:1 (BBE) — By a soft answer wrath is turned away, but a bitter word is a cause of angry feelings.”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Anger — Forbidden -- Ec 7:9; Mt 5:22; Ro 12:19. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. A characteristic of fools -- Pr 12:16; 14:29; 27:3; Ec 7:9. Connected with Pride. -- Pr 21:24. Cruelty. -- Ge 49:7; Pr 27:3,4. Clamour and evil-speaking. -- Eph 4:31. Malice and blasphemy. -- Col 3:8. Strife and contention. -- Pr 21:19; 29:22; 30:33. Brings its own punishment -- Job 5:2; Pr 19:19; 25:28. Grievous words stir up -- Jdj 12:4; 2Sa 19:43; Pr 15:1. Should not betray us into sin -- Ps 37:8; Eph 4:26. In prayer be free from -- 1Ti 2:8. May be averted by wisdom -- Pr 29:8. Meeknes”
Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 4:31: bitterness--both of spirit and of speech: opposed to "kind." wrath--passion for a time: opposed to "tender-hearted." Whence BENGEL translates for "wrath," harshness. anger--lasting resentment: opposed to "forgiving one another." clamour--compared by CHRYSOSTOM to a horse carrying anger for its rider: "Bridle the horse, and you dismount its rider." "Bitterness" begets "wrath"; "wrath," "anger"; "anger," "clamor"; and "clamor," the more chronic "evil-speaking," slander, insinuations, and surmises of evil. "Malice" is the secret root of all: "fir”
Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 4:28: Let all bitterness,.... These words are a dehortation from several vices good men are liable to, by which the Spirit of God is grieved: "bitterness" sometimes designs the corruption of nature, which is the gall of bitterness, and bond of iniquity; and sometimes actual sins and transgressions, even those of God's own people, which are evil and bitter things; and sometimes heretical doctrines, which are roots of bitterness; and sometimes sinful words spoken by the saints, one against another; and here perhaps it signifies, the first offence taken in the mind, against”
Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:15: 12:15 The poisonous root of bitterness alludes to people turning their backs on God’s covenant to serve other gods (Deut 29:18). Bitterness can corrupt the church.”
Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 14:10: The heart knoweth his own bitterness,.... Or "the bitterness of his soul" (l), the distress of his conscience, the anguish of his mind; the heart of man only knows the whole of it; something of it may be known to others by his looks, his words, and gestures, but not all of it; see Co1 2:10; bitterness of soul often arises from outward troubles, pains, and diseases of body, losses, crosses, and disappointments, Sa1 1:10. Sometimes it is upon spiritual accounts; but this is not the case of every heart; men may be in the gall of bitterness, and have no bitterness of s”
Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 17:25: A foolish son is a grief to his father,.... Because of his folly and wickedness, and the ruin he is bringing himself to; and bitterness to her that bare him; a cause of bitterness of soul to his mother, more distressing than the bitter pains with which she brought him forth into the world. Jarchi, by the father, understands the blessed God; and by her that bare him, the congregation of Israel; to whom Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, was bitterness, who caused Israel to sin; see Pro 10:1.”
Genesis (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Genesis 4:8: We have here the progress of Cain's anger, and the issue of it in Abel's murder, which may be considered two ways: - I. As Cain's sin; and a scarlet, crimson, sin it was, a sin of the first magnitude, a sin against the light and law of nature, and which the consciences even of bad men have startled at. See in it, 1. The sad effects of sin's entrance into the world and into the hearts of men. See what a root of bitterness the corrupt nature is, which bears this gall and wormwood. Adam's eating forbidden fruit seemed but a little sin, but it opened the door to the ”

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