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What does the Bible say about contentment?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that true contentment is a grace rooted in God’s faithful presence and sufficiency, not in possessions, circumstances, or personal strength. Hebrews 13:5 calls believers to freedom from the love of money because God will never leave them. Paul learned in Philippians 4:11-13 to be content in plenty and need through Christ who strengthens him. Scripture warns that life does not consist in abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15) and that godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6-8). As believers seek God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33), they may trust Him to provide every need and to keep their minds in perfect peace (Philippians 4:19; Isaiah 26:3).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Hebrews 13:5

    Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, "I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you."

  • Philippians 4:11-13

    [11] Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. [12] I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. [13] I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

  • 1 Timothy 6:6-8

    [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can't carry anything out. [8] But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.

  • Luke 12:15

    He said to them, "Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man's life doesn't consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses."

  • 1 Timothy 6:6-11

    [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can't carry anything out. [8] But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. [9] But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. [11] But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

  • 1 Timothy 6:6

    But godliness with contentment is great gain.

  • Matthew 6:33

    But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:10

    Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.

  • Philippians 4:19

    My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

  • Isaiah 26:3

    You will keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on you]; because he trusts in you.

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