Resentment, against people

A sinful, emotional response to others or to circumstances, frequently caused by envy or a sense of injustice.

Causes of resentment

Unwelcome instruction

Proverbs 3:11–12 See also Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 5:12

My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.

Feelings of rejection

Genesis 4:2–5 See also Judges 8:1; Matthew 20:24

Later she gave birth to Cain’s brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, while Cain was a tiller of the soil. So in the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruit of the soil as an offering to the LORD, while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell.

Feelings of injustice

Acts 6:1 See also Genesis 27:34, Genesis 50:15; Matthew 20:10–11; Colossians 3:21

In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

Hard circumstances

1 Samuel 30:6 See also 1 Samuel 22:2

And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

Disappointment with leaders

Joshua 9:18

Resentment has no place in godly living

Ephesians 4:31; Philippians 2:14 See also Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 15:10; 2 Corinthians 9:5; 2 Timothy 2:24; Hebrews 12:15; James 3:14–15, James 5:9; 1 Peter 4:9

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.

Do everything without complaining or arguing,

Dealing with resentment

Not an easy task

Proverbs 18:19

An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.

Through forgiveness

Proverbs 17:9 See also Proverbs 19:11

Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends.

Through God-given contentment

Philippians 4:11 See also 1 Timothy 6:6–10; Hebrews 13:5

I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.

Through conciliation

Judges 8:1–3