Bitterness keeps bad company. Note some of its associates: “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31).

Bitterness is destructive anywhere, but especially in the home; clouding love’s looks and turning them into icy stares. Words spoken in bitterness cut deeply.

Husbands who harbor bitter feelings toward their wives are losers. They waste valuable time that could be used for showing love. And time is swiftly passing on its way.

Bitter husbands are disobedient to God’s command. No man can walk closely with God and still remain bitter toward the woman he has promised to love as Christ loves the church.

Bitterness may surface through nagging. C. H. Spurgeon says of nagging mates:

“What she proposes,
Be it good or bad,
He still opposes,
Till he drives her mad.”

While nagging and criticism are common fruits of bitterness, they may also be the cause. Some husbands carry bitter feelings for years over some harsh comment made by a wife early in the marriage.

What a waste!

And how inconsistent with Christian living. We who have been forgiven must always be quick to forgive.

Banish bitterness.

Build love instead.