The concept of a "bitter wife" in the Bible is often associated with the challenges and strife that can arise within the marital relationship. The Bible provides various insights into the dynamics of marriage, emphasizing the importance of love, respect, and harmony between spouses. A "bitter wife" may be understood as a woman who harbors resentment, anger, or dissatisfaction within her marriage, which can lead to discord and unhappiness.

Proverbs and Wisdom Literature

The Book of Proverbs offers several insights into the dynamics of marriage and the potential for bitterness. Proverbs 21:9 states, "Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife." Similarly, Proverbs 21:19 notes, "Better to live in a desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife." These verses highlight the challenges that can arise when a wife is perceived as contentious or difficult, suggesting that such a situation can lead to a lack of peace and contentment in the home.

Proverbs 27:15-16 further illustrates this point: "A constant dripping on a rainy day and a contentious wife are alike—restraining her is like holding back the wind or grasping oil with one's right hand." The imagery of a "constant dripping" suggests the persistent and wearing nature of living with a bitter or contentious spouse.

The Role of Love and Respect

The New Testament provides guidance on the roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives, emphasizing love and respect as foundational to a healthy marriage. Ephesians 5:22-33 outlines these principles, with a focus on mutual submission and love. Ephesians 5:25 instructs, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." This sacrificial love is intended to foster a nurturing and harmonious relationship, counteracting bitterness and resentment.

For wives, Ephesians 5:33 advises, "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Respect and love are seen as antidotes to bitterness, promoting a spirit of unity and cooperation.

Biblical Examples

While the Bible does not explicitly label any woman as a "bitter wife," there are narratives that illustrate marital strife and the potential for bitterness. One such example is Michal, the daughter of Saul and wife of David. In 2 Samuel 6:16, Michal is described as despising David in her heart when she saw him dancing before the Lord. This disdain led to a confrontation between them, highlighting the discord that can arise from unresolved bitterness.

Another example is Job's wife, who, in the midst of their suffering, advised Job to "curse God and die" (Job 2:9). Her response to their trials reflects a moment of despair and bitterness, contrasting with Job's steadfast faith.

Counsel for Overcoming Bitterness

The Bible encourages believers to seek reconciliation and healing in relationships. Hebrews 12:15 warns, "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many." This exhortation underscores the importance of addressing bitterness before it takes root and causes further harm.

Prayer, forgiveness, and seeking God's guidance are essential steps in overcoming bitterness. Colossians 3:13 advises, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This call to forgiveness is crucial in restoring peace and harmony within the marriage.

In summary, the Bible acknowledges the potential for bitterness within marriage and provides wisdom and guidance for cultivating a loving and respectful relationship. Through love, respect, and forgiveness, couples can work towards overcoming bitterness and building a strong, Christ-centered marriage.Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
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Proverbs 19:13
A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 27:15
A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
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A Good Wife.
... And again he subjoins the like:". "And that the wife should sweetly look sad with
her husband,. Should aught evil befall him,. ... And:". "Nothing is bitter to me,. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xx a good wife.htm

To Monna Agnese who was the Wife of Messer Orso Malavolti
... LETTERS TO MONNA AGNESE WHO WAS THE WIFE OF MESSER ORSO MALAVOLTI. ... feels in her keen
and solemn meditations that she had herself known the bitter and corroding ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to monna agnese who was.htm

Epitaph on his Wife.
... EPITAPH ON HIS WIFE. Leser, m??chtest du erkennen. Reader, dost thou seek to know. ...
Cooling breeze in life's turmoil,. Sugar in the bitter day,. ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/epitaph on his wife.htm

How the Senators Determined to Restore the Democracy; but the ...
... he was come into the palace, he found Cesonia, who was Caius's wife, lying by ... sister;
[10] from which occasion chiefly it was also that a bitter hatred first ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how the senators.htm

A Man Reaps More than He Sows.
... him. Does not the drunkard make his wife and children reap a bitter harvest?
Does not the gambler make his relatives reap? Does ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter v a man reaps.htm

Adam's Sin
... Oh bitter! sometimes relations prove temptations. A wife may be a snare, when she
dissuades her husband from doing his duty, or entices him to evil. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 adams sin.htm

Forgiveness and Retribution.
... if we could do our own reaping, it would not be so bitter, but when we make our
little children or the wife of our bosom, or our old gray-haired mother, or our ...
/.../moody/sowing and reaping/chapter vii forgiveness and retribution.htm

Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
... b to wife. [This was evidently a favorite Sadducean argument against the resurrection. ...
[Some of the scribes of less bitter spirit could not refrain from ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cix jewish rulers seek to 2.htm

The Story of Ruth, the Gleaner
... he loved her; and soon after this he took her as his wife. And Naomi and Ruth went
to live in his home; so that Naomi's life was no more bitter, but pleasant. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of ruth the.htm

Of the Love of Offspring as a Plea for Marriage.
To His Wife. ... Further reasons for marriage which men allege for themselves arise from
anxiety for posterity, and the bitter, bitter pleasure of children. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/to his wife/chapter v of the love of.htm

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