Jump to: Topical • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms 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 Foundation The 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 Insights The 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' Teachings Jesus 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 Application Contentment 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.org 1 Timothy 6:6 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Philippians 4:11-12 Philippians 4:11 Luke 3:14 Proverbs 14:14 Philippians 4:19 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 in 1 Timothy 6:8 Hebrews 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. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/841.htm - 7k 842. autarkes -- self-sufficient, sufficient Library Contentment Contentment Christian Contentment. Of the Mutual Contentment of the Divine Persons, and the Mutual ... Holy Contentment. Contentment and Resignation. Contentment Php 4:11 August the Sixth Waters of Contentment Letter xix. Submission to the Will of God; Dependence Upon Him for ... It Makes Him Sensible of the Reality of Happiness: it Feeds Him ... 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. ... /c/contentment.htm - 9k Content (30 Occurrences) Complacency (2 Occurrences) Godliness (16 Occurrences) Weary (77 Occurrences) Wean Piety (21 Occurrences) Pur (3 Occurrences) Peace (523 Occurrences) 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.org Why is the love of money the root of all kinds of evil? | GotQuestions.org Contentment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Contentment (4 Occurrences)1 Timothy 6:6 Job 36:11 Proverbs 19:23 Song of Songs 8:10 Subtopics Contentment with Godliness is Great Gain Contentment: Barzillai, in Refusing to Go With David to Jerusalem Contentment: Esau, in Refusing Jacob's Present Contentment: General Scriptures Concerning Contentment: God's Promises should Lead To Contentment: Saints should Exhibit in Their Respective Callings Contentment: Saints should Exhibit with Appointed Wages Contentment: Saints should Exhibit with Food and Raiment Contentment: Saints should Exhibit with What Things They Have Contentment: The Shunammite, in Refusing to Make a Request of Elisha Related Terms |
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