INTRODUCTION

A good Bible student often incorporates many of the same tactics as a good detective. Defining Bible words involves such a task. No single verse specifically defines the word bitterness. Yet, a careful study of a few verses will help to bring the pieces together and to provide understanding. According to Isaiah, bitterness and peace are at opposite ends of the emotional spectrum (Isaiah 38:17Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
See All...). Proverbs associates the word bitter directly to the word sharp (Proverbs 5:4But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
See All...). And, lastly, the word bitter is connected to the word affliction (2 Kings 14:26For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel.
See All..., Lamentations 1:4The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness.
See All...). Using these scriptural clues, a good student will understand bitterness to be a sharp affliction. Additionally, consider the connection between the words bitter and bite, making bitterness a sharp affliction with bite. Bitterness always begins on the inside of an individual and, as we will learn, eventually works its way to the outside for others to see.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): When others do or say something unkind to us, God wants us to make up with them. When we stay angry day after day, we will end up doing something for which we will be sorry and God calls this bitterness. Ephesians 4:26-27 [26] Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: [27] Neither give place to the devil.
  See All... is a good rule to follow.
• (For everyone): Do you ever notice anger building up on the inside? What is it that makes you so angry? Does it cause you to be rude to those around you? This anger is very likely connected to bitterness.
• Are you bitter? Can you remember a time when that feeling did not exist? What do you think brought this bitterness into your life? Are you willing to turn this over to the Lord and let Him remove the bitterness from your heart and life?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to remove the bitterness in your heart.
• Ask God to help you recognize bitterness when it rears its ugly head.

HYMN

Come, O Thou All-Victorious Lord

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