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 7 votes
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 7 votes
Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 6 votes
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Luke 12:15 4 votes
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 4 votes
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. 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. But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
1 Timothy 6:6 4 votes
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Matthew 6:33 3 votes
But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
2 Corinthians 12:10 3 votes
Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
Philippians 4:19 3 votes
My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3 2 votes
You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you.

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