Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, dissatisfaction can be understood as a state of discontentment or lack of fulfillment that arises when one's desires or expectations are unmet. This condition is often addressed in Scripture, where believers are encouraged to find contentment and satisfaction in God rather than in worldly pursuits or material possessions.
Biblical Examples and Teachings1.
Israelites in the Wilderness: One of the most prominent examples of dissatisfaction in the Bible is the attitude of the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. Despite God's miraculous provision, they frequently expressed dissatisfaction with their circumstances. In
Numbers 11:4-6 , the Israelites lamented, "Who will feed us meat? We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!" This dissatisfaction led to complaints against God and Moses, demonstrating a lack of trust and gratitude.
2.
Ecclesiastes and the Futility of Earthly Pursuits: The book of Ecclesiastes explores the theme of dissatisfaction through the reflections of the Teacher, who examines the futility of seeking fulfillment in earthly pleasures, wisdom, and labor.
Ecclesiastes 1:14 states, "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and indeed, all is vanity and a chasing after the wind." This underscores the idea that true satisfaction cannot be found in temporal things but only in a relationship with God.
3.
Contentment in Christ: The New Testament provides guidance on overcoming dissatisfaction by finding contentment in Christ. The Apostle Paul, writing from prison, exemplifies this attitude in
Philippians 4:11-13 : "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Paul's contentment is rooted in his reliance on Christ, rather than external circumstances.
4.
Warnings Against Greed and Covetousness: Dissatisfaction is often linked to greed and covetousness, which are explicitly warned against in Scripture.
Hebrews 13:5 advises, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'" This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God's provision and presence as the source of true contentment.
5.
The Rich Young Ruler: In the Gospels, the account of the rich young ruler illustrates the dissatisfaction that can accompany wealth and the pursuit of material possessions. In
Mark 10:21-22 , Jesus tells the young man, "One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me." The young man's inability to part with his possessions reveals his deep-seated dissatisfaction and attachment to worldly wealth.
Spiritual ImplicationsDissatisfaction, when left unchecked, can lead to spiritual stagnation and a weakened relationship with God. It often stems from a misplaced focus on temporal desires rather than eternal truths. Believers are called to cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in God's sovereignty, recognizing that true satisfaction is found in Him alone. The Bible encourages believers to seek first the kingdom of God (
Matthew 6:33) and to set their minds on things above (
Colossians 3:2), fostering a spirit of contentment and peace that transcends earthly circumstances.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Dissatisfy.
Library
Those who areDissatisfied with the Fact that the Good Receive...
... by St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. Book I. Chapter XV. Those who are
dissatisfied with the fact that the good receive evil? Those...
The Blessing of Dissatisfaction
... sister?" She looked up at him and answered wearily, "O Brother A, I am
sodissatisfied.". "Well," he replied, "I am glad of it."....
Pardon and Peace
... of a man who is weary with the burden of sinful mortality; who finds it very hard
work to do his duty, even tolerably well; who isdissatisfied with himself...
Book Ten from Autobiography to Self-Analysis. ...
... thee. But now that my groaning is witness to the fact that I amdissatisfied
with myself, thou shinest forth and satisfiest. Thou...
Dissension Between Theophilus Bishop of Alexandria and the Monks...
... They, constrained by necessity, performed the duties thus imposed on them successfully;
nevertheless they weredissatisfied because they were unable to follow...
That all Things are Manifest to God. That Confession unto Him is...
... But now, because my groaning witnesseth that I amdissatisfied with myself, Thou
shinest forth, and satisfiest, and art beloved and desired; that I may blush...
All Sufficiency
... uprightly." Ah! How often, when we have beendissatisfied with the ways of
GOD, we ought to have beendissatisfied with our own ways! We...
Our Inheritance
... annulled; for after the death of the testator there frequently is found a defect
in the will, also there are instances where the heirs,dissatisfied with their...
Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
... the departure, when they actually had come into Canaan, they forgot God's kindness
and wonderful works in their behalf and, becomingdissatisfied, longed to be...
The Death of Abraham
... We have all seen godless old men cynical and sour, pleased with nothing, grumbling,
or feebly complaining, about everything,dissatisfied with all which life...
Thesaurus
Dissatisfied (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Dissatisfied (2 Occurrences). John 6:61 But, knowing in
Himself that His disciples were
dissatisfied about it, Jesus asked them, (WEY)
...Galilee (73 Occurrences)
... of Naphtali. Hiram wasdissatisfied with the gift, and called it "the land
of Cabul" (qv). The Jews called it Galil. It continued...
Finger (35 Occurrences)
... tablet of thy heart" (Proverbs 7:3). Figurative: In 1 Kings 12:10 and 2 Chronicles
10:10 Rehoboam gives the remarkable answer to hisdissatisfied people, which...
Establish (133 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 8:8 For, beingdissatisfied with His people, God says, "'There are days
coming,' says the Lord, 'When I will establish with the house of Israel and...
Discontented (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Discontent. 2. (pp & a.)Dissatisfied; uneasy in mind; malcontent.
Multi-Version Concordance Discontented (2 Occurrences)....
Dissemble (2 Occurrences)
Disrobing (1 Occurrence)
Discontent (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Not content; discontented;dissatisfied.
2. (vt) To deprive of content; to make uneasy; to dissatisfy....
Micaiah (27 Occurrences)
... suggested that inquiry should be first made "at the word of Jehovah." Ahab's prophets
approved of the expedition; but Jehoshaphat, stilldissatisfied, asked if...
Antiochis
... presented her with the two Cilician cities, Tarsus and Mallus.Dissatisfied
with this the cities made insurrection (2 Maccabees 4:30)....
Resources
What does the Bible say about envy? | GotQuestions.orgGotQuestions.org Survey | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible teach that Sophia is the goddess of wisdom? | GotQuestions.orgDissatisfied: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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