Job 3:11-26 (NIV) – [11] “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb? [12] Why were there knees to receive me and breasts that I might be nursed? [13] For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest [14] with kings and counselors of the earth, who built for themselves places now lying in ruins, [15] with rulers who had gold, who filled their houses with silver. [16] Or why was I not hidden in the ground like a stillborn child, like an infant who never saw the light of day? [17] There the wicked cease from turmoil, and there the weary are at rest. [18] Captives also enjoy their ease; they no longer hear the slave driver’s shout. [19] The small and the great are there, and the slave is freed from his master. [20] Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, [21] to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure, [22] who are filled with gladness and rejoice when they reach the grave? [23] Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? [24] For sighing comes to me instead of food; my groans pour out like water. [25] What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. [26] I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.”

Bitterness of the Soul

Bitterness (marah) means strong feelings of hurt, hatred, and resentment toward someone from a sense of being injured or offended; it is the result of prolonged, unresolved anger or disappointment.

Hebrews 12:15 (NIV) – [15] See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

1. Only we can allow bitterness into our souls.

2. Bitterness can be the cause of complaining.

3. Bitterness is expressed in envy.

4. Feelings of injustice is a root of bitterness.

Ezekiel 27:31 (NIV) – [31] They will shave their heads because of you and will put on sackcloth. They will weep over you with anguish of soul and with bitter mourning.

5. Unresolved grief can give way to bitterness.

Ruth 1:20-21 (NIV) – [20] “Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. [21] I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”

6. Bitterness often blames God.

Job 6:4 (NIV) – [4] The arrows of the Almighty are in me, my spirit drinks in their poison; God’s terrors are marshaled against me.