Keeping Yourself from Bitterness Someone has defined bitterness as “a chronic and pervasive state of smoldering resentment." We repeatedly run through our minds how we have been victimized and meditate on the unfairness of our life’s circumstances. What we find in Ephesians chapter 3 is unfairness taking place in the Apostle Paul’s life, yet there is no hint of any bitterness at all. What was his secret?