Topical Encyclopedia
Contentment is a state of satisfaction and peace, often associated with a sense of sufficiency and gratitude for what one has, rather than a constant yearning for more. In the Christian context, contentment is deeply rooted in faith and trust in God's provision and sovereignty.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of contentment is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing reliance on God rather than material wealth or circumstances. One of the most direct teachings on contentment is found in the Apostle Paul's writings. In
Philippians 4:11-13 , Paul states, "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." Here, Paul highlights that contentment is a learned behavior, cultivated through reliance on Christ.
In
1 Timothy 6:6-8 , Paul further instructs, "Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these." This passage underscores the transient nature of material possessions and the importance of finding satisfaction in basic needs being met, coupled with a godly life.
Old Testament InsightsThe Old Testament also provides insights into contentment. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects on the futility of chasing after wealth and pleasure, concluding that contentment is found in fearing God and keeping His commandments (
Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Proverbs 30:8-9 offers a prayer for balance: "Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion. Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God."
Jesus' TeachingsJesus Christ also addressed contentment, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount. In
Matthew 6:25-34 , He instructs His followers not to worry about their lives, what they will eat or drink, or about their bodies and what they will wear. Instead, Jesus emphasizes seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the assurance that all these things will be added to them. This teaching encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to prioritize spiritual over material concerns.
Practical ApplicationContentment is not merely a passive acceptance of one's circumstances but an active trust in God's plan and provision.
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 reassures believers of God's constant presence and care, which forms the foundation for true contentment.
In a world that often promotes dissatisfaction and the pursuit of more, biblical contentment calls Christians to a countercultural mindset. It involves gratitude, trust, and a focus on eternal values rather than temporary gains. By cultivating contentment, believers can experience peace and joy, regardless of their external circumstances, reflecting a deep-seated faith in God's goodness and provision.
Topical Bible Verses
Hebrews 13:5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.
Topicalbible.org1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
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1 Timothy 6:6-8
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
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Philippians 4:11-12
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.
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Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.
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Luke 3:14
And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said to them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
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Proverbs 14:14
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
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Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
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Easton's Bible Dictionary
A state of mind in which one's desires are confined to his lot whatever it may be (
1 Timothy 6:6;
2 Corinthians 9:8). It is opposed to envy (
James 3:16), avarice (
Hebrews 13:5), ambition (
Proverbs 13:10), anxiety (
Matthew 6:25, 34), and repining (
1 Corinthians 10:10). It arises from the inward disposition, and is the offspring of humility, and of an intelligent consideration of the rectitude and benignity of divine providence (
Psalm 96:1, 2; 145), the greatness of the divine promises (
2 Peter 1:4), and our own unworthiness (
Genesis 32:10); as well as from the view the gospel opens up to us of rest and peace hereafter (
Romans 5:2).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The state of being contented or satisfied; content.
2. (n.) The act or process of contenting or satisfying; as, the contentment of avarice is impossible.
3. (v. t.) Gratification; pleasure; satisfaction.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CONTENT; CONTENTMENTkon-tent', kon-tent'-ment (ya`al; arkeo): To be free from care because of satisfaction with what is already one's own. The Hebrew means simply "to be pleased." The Greek brings out the full force of the word in1 Timothy 6:8Hebrews 13:5. Contentment (1 Timothy 6:6) is more inward than satisfaction; the former is a habit or permanent state of mind, the latter has to do with some particular occurrence or object.
Greek
841. autarkeia -- self-satisfaction, ie self-sufficiency... autarkeia Phonetic Spelling: (ow-tar'-ki-ah) Short Definition: self-sufficiency,
independence Definition: self-sufficiency, independence,
contentment.
...842. autarkes -- self-sufficient, sufficient
... Cognate: 842 (the adjectival form of 841 , "contentment") -- properly, self-sufficient,
content in the sense of being satisfied because living in God's content...
Library
Contentment
...Contentment. A Sermon... You will see at once from reading the text, upon the very surface,
thatcontentment in all states is not a natural propensity of man....
Contentment
... BIBLE STORIES AND RELIGIOUS CLASSICSCONTENTMENT. My mind to me a kingdom
is; Such perfect joy therein I find, As far exceeds all...
ChristianContentment.
... Songs of the Cross and Consolation. CHRISTIANCONTENTMENT. O my soul, why
dost thou grieve, Why dost mourn so bitterly, That more...
Of the MutualContentment of the Divine Persons, and the Mutual...
... THE BOOK OF SUPREME TRUTH CHAPTER X. OF THE MUTUALCONTENTMENT OF THE DIVINE
PERSONS, AND THE MUTUALCONTENTMENT BETWEEN GOD AND GOOD MEN....
HolyContentment.
... SUBMISSION AND RELIANCE. 611. " HolyContentment. 611. 7s. M. Anonymous.
HolyContentment. 1 Lord, my times are in thy hand: All...
Contentment and Resignation.
... SUBMISSION AND RELIANCE. 625. "Contentment and Resignation. 625. CPM
Cotton.Contentment and Resignation. 1 If solid happiness...
Contentment Php 4:11
... PHILIPPIANS Hymn 131Contentment Php 4:11. William Cowper 8,6,8,6....
August the Sixth Waters ofContentment
... AUGUST The Sixth WATERS OFCONTENTMENT. ISAIAH iv.1-7. The refreshing waters
are offered to "everyone" that is thirsty. The evangel...
Letter xix. Submission to the Will of God; Dependence Upon Him for...
... LETTERS, &c. LETTER XIX. Submission to the Will of God; Dependence upon Him
for Temporal Things, andContentment under all Circumstances....
It Makes Him Sensible of the Reality of Happiness: it Feeds Him...
... THE SECOND CENTURY 98 It makes him sensible of the reality of Happiness:
it feeds him withcontentment. It makes him sensible of...
Thesaurus
Contentment (4 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) The act or process of contenting or satisfying; as, the
contentment of avarice
is impossible.
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CONTENT;
CONTENTMENT.
...Content (30 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) Rest or quietness of the mind in one's present condition; freedom from
discontent; satisfaction;contentment; moderate happiness.... CONTENT;CONTENTMENT....
Complacency (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Calmcontentment; satisfaction; gratification.... 3. (n.) The manifestation
ofcontentment or satisfaction; good nature; kindness; civility; affability....
Godliness (16 Occurrences)
... Withdraw yourself from such. (WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV). 1 Timothy 6:6 But
godliness withcontentment is great gain. (WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV)....
Weary (77 Occurrences)
... 3. (superl.) Having one's patience, relish, orcontentment exhausted; tired; sick; --
with of before the cause; as, weary of marching, or of confinement; weary...
Wean
... child, no longer fretting for the breast and satisfied with its mother's affection,
is used in Psalm 131:2 as a figure for Israel'scontentment with God's care...
Piety (21 Occurrences)
... gain to be the end of piety. (DBY YLT). 1 Timothy 6:6 But piety with
contentment is great gain. (DBY YLT). 1 Timothy 6:11 But thou...
Pur (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To signify or express by purring. 3. (n.) The low, murmuring sound made
by a cat to expresscontentment or pleasure. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia....
Peace (523 Occurrences)
... 2. (v.) Exemption from, or cessation of, war with public enemies. 3. (v.)
Public quiet, order, andcontentment in obedience to law....
Contentiousness (1 Occurrence)
Resources
What does the Bible say about contentment? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6)? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is the love of money the root of all kinds of evil? | GotQuestions.orgContentment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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