The Book of Job “The Question of the Ages—Why?”

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.

Job 3:20 (NIV) – [20] Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul…

1. Only we can allow bitterness into our souls.

Job 7:11 (NIV) – [11] “Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

Job 10:1 (NIV) – [1] “I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.

1. Bitterness can be the cause of complaining.

Job 21:23-25 (NIV) – [23] One man dies in full vigor, completely secure and at ease, [24] his body well nourished, his bones rich with marrow. [25] Another man dies in bitterness of soul, never having enjoyed anything good.

1. Bitterness is expressed in envy.

Job 27:2 (NIV) – [2] “As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty, who has made me taste bitterness of soul…

1. 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.

1. Unresolved grief can give way to bitterness.