How can Genesis 37:20 warn us against harboring resentment towards others?

Setting the scene

Genesis 37:20: “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the cisterns. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!”

---

The root of resentment

• Joseph’s brothers nursed jealousy over their father’s favoritism (Genesis 37:3–4).

• Their silent bitterness grew unchecked until it erupted in murderous intent.

• Scripture presents this account as literal history, showing where harboring resentment can lead every human heart (Jeremiah 17:9).

---

A progression of sin

1. Hurt feelings → “They hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.” (Genesis 37:4)

2. Envy → “They were jealous of him.” (Genesis 37:11)

3. Plotting evil → “Let us kill him…” (Genesis 37:20)

4. Violent action → They sold Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37:28).

---

Personal application: warnings for us

• Resentment distorts judgment; the brothers convinced themselves murder was reasonable (Proverbs 14:30).

• Bitterness spreads—ten brothers agreed, proving how sin infects community (Hebrews 12:15).

• Secret sin seeks cover-ups; they devised a lie for their father (Genesis 37:31-33; Ephesians 4:25).

• Unchecked anger places us spiritually alongside Cain, “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer” (1 John 3:15).

---

Guarding our hearts

• Acknowledge jealousy quickly; confess it as sin (1 John 1:9).

• Submit emotions to God’s truth—He sovereignly distributes gifts and favor (Romans 9:20-21).

• Replace resentment with thanksgiving and intercession for the other person (Philippians 1:3-4).

• Seek reconciliation at once; Jesus commands leaving a gift at the altar to make peace (Matthew 5:23-24).

---

Living out forgiveness in Christ

• Christ bore our grudges on the cross, freeing us to extend the same grace (Ephesians 4:31-32).

• The Spirit empowers new desires, enabling genuine love instead of envy (Galatians 5:22-26).

• When wronged, trust God’s perfect justice—He vindicated Joseph in His time (Genesis 50:20; Romans 12:19).