Bible Verses About Contentment

Biblical contentment is finding satisfaction in God's provision regardless of circumstances. Scripture teaches that true contentment comes not from having more, but from wanting less and trusting God's sufficiency.

8 Verses

1. Philippians 4:11-12

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Paul reveals contentment as a learned spiritual discipline. Benson notes Paul "learned [contentment] from God" and "Nothing less is Christian contentment." Barnes highlights contentment arises from "belief that God is right in all his ways." Jamieson-Fausset-Brown emphasizes Paul learned this "by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and the dealings of Providence." Gill describes it as "not natural, but adventitious... learned in the school of affliction." Matthew Henry notes contentment comes through understanding "through Christ we have grace to do what is good." Meyer highlights Paul's contentment flows from "the strengthening influence of Christ." Poole describes contentment as being "thankful for every thing... quietly and patiently submit to the will of God." Vincent notes Paul is "self-sufficient through the power of the new self: not he, but Christ in him." Contentment is a spiritual discipline learned through faith, divine guidance, and transformative experiences (BibleHub Commentaries).

2. 1 Timothy 6:6-8

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."
Paul links godliness and contentment as inseparable spiritual wealth. Benson calls contentment an "inseparable companion of vital piety." Ellicott notes godliness brings "perfect contentment" and makes the heart "truly rich." Barnes emphasizes true religion with a "contented mind" promotes more happiness "than wealth can ever do." Gill describes godliness as producing "a good and happy circumstance" where one is "richly clothed" spiritually and in a "good family" of God. The Expositor's Greek Testament describes contentment (αὐταρκεία) as "independence of, and indifference to, any lot." The Cambridge Bible explains it as "limiting of our wants and the limitless realising of Christ's presence." Matthew Henry summarizes: Those who mind godliness as their "calling" will find it has "the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come." True spiritual richness transcends material wealth, providing inner peace and sufficiency (BibleHub Commentaries).

3. Hebrews 13:5

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.""
Contentment flows from God's promised presence, not possessions. Matthew Henry notes contentment means being satisfied "with mean things here," recognizing even those in paradise can struggle with discontentment. Gill describes covetousness as an "immoderate desire of riches" revealing itself through "preferring the world to religion," "laying up treasure" selfishly, and "withholding from himself the necessaries of life." MacLaren beautifully interprets God's promise: "I will never relax my grip on you," providing "conscious security" through His "great, strong, gentle hand." Benson emphasizes God "will not leave his people in the hands of their enemies" and will "supply them with the necessaries of life." The promise requires mutual commitment - God will not forsake those who do not forsake Him. Divine presence supersedes material security as the foundation for contentment (BibleHub Commentaries).

4. Proverbs 15:16

"Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil."
Solomon contrasts spiritual contentment with material wealth's anxiety. Matthew Poole emphasizes "the fear of the Lord... gives a man tranquillity and comfort in what he hath." Gill powerfully notes a person with little but with God's fear "does not lack" and has "enough, and is content." The Pulpit Commentary observes "the good man's little store... bears upon it the blessing of the Lord" and surpasses wealth accompanied by "care and labour and anxiety." Benson contrasts "great treasure" with the inner peace of fearing God, describing wealth as bringing "tumultuous lusts and passions, vexatious cares and fears." Keil and Delitzsch describe the alternative to godly contentment as "restless, covetous care and trouble" - a "wild, stormy running and hunting about of the slave of mammon." Spiritual peace and godly perspective are far more valuable than material abundance without inner tranquility (BibleHub Commentaries).

5. Psalm 37:16

"Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked."
David affirms righteousness with little surpasses wickedness with wealth. Matthew Poole highlights spiritual advantages: "With God's favour and blessings, with great serenity, and satisfaction of his own mind." Barnes emphasizes "It is better to have but little of this world's goods with righteousness" than abundance without it. The Treasury of David poetically notes "More happiness in the godly dinner of herbs than in the stalled ox of profane rioters." Benson explains the deeper value comes "With the consolations of God's Spirit, and the assurance of everlasting felicity." Gill provides multiple reasons why the righteous' little is better - they have "a right to what they have," possess things "in love and with a blessing," are "contented in their state," and enjoy "the presence of God." Spiritual peace, divine favor, and inner contentment far outweigh material wealth obtained or held unrighteously (BibleHub Commentaries).

6. Ecclesiastes 5:10

"Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless."
Solomon exposes wealth's inability to satisfy. Matthew Henry notes "The more men have, the better house they must keep... Riches do hurt, and draw away the heart from God and duty." Benson observes "The greatest treasures of silver do not satisfy the covetous possessor... his mind is insatiable, his desires are increased by and with his gains." The Pulpit Commentary describes the paradox: "As wealth increases grows the frenzied thirst for wealth; the more they have, the more they want." Gill vividly illustrates: "When a man has got ever so much of it, he is not satisfied, he still wants more, like the horse leech at the vein cries Give, give." Keil and Delitzsch simply state "He who loveth silver is not satisfied with silver... always to desire more." Pursuing wealth leads to an endless, unsatisfying cycle of wanting more, proving monetary gain cannot provide true contentment (BibleHub Commentaries).

7. Matthew 6:19-21

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Jesus teaches contentment through eternal perspective on possessions. Matthew Henry highlights the spiritual danger: "Worldly-mindedness is a common and fatal symptom of hypocrisy" where Satan can "have a surer and faster hold of the soul." Benson emphasizes earth's treasures' transient nature, advising to "Build your happiness on a more noble and certain foundation" of heavenly treasures. Barnes provides context about ancient wealth including "clothes, gold, silver, gems," explaining how easily these could be lost. Benson captures the core message: "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" - whatever we treasure ultimately controls our affections and spiritual orientation. Gill warns against "covetousness and worldly mindedness," noting "no sort of worldly riches and treasure is safe." Believers should prioritize spiritual wealth over material accumulation, viewing earthly possessions as temporary and potentially spiritually dangerous (BibleHub Commentaries).

8. Luke 3:14

"Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.""
John the Baptist teaches practical contentment within one's vocation. Matthew Poole highlights John doesn't condemn the soldiers' profession but guides ethical behavior: "True repentance is best discovered by our abhorrence of... sinful courses" in current circumstances. Barnes emphasizes John didn't require soldiers to quit but be honorable: "It is lawful to defend oneself... and then he will do honor to his profession." The Cambridge Bible offers profound perspective - John "does not bid even soldiers to abandon their profession, but to serve God in it," suggesting contentment means integrity where you are, not necessarily changing situations. Gill provides practical advice: Be "content with your wages... do not seek to increase them by any unlawful methods." Contentment isn't about specific jobs but maintaining personal integrity, avoiding exploitation, and finding satisfaction in current circumstances (BibleHub Commentaries).

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