Contentment
JKS 17
April 2007
Contentment:
A state of mind in which one's desires are confined to his lot whatever it may
be (1 Tim. 6:6; 2 Cor. 9:8). It is opposed to envy (James 3:16), avarice (covetousness)
(Heb. 13:5), ambition (Prov. 13:10), anxiety (Matt. 6:25, 34), and repining (complaining)
(1 Cor. 10:10). It arises from the inward disposition, and is the offspring of
humility, and of an intelligent consideration of the rectitude (rightness) and
benignity (kindness) of divine providence (Ps. 96:1, 2; 145), the greatness of
the divine promises (2 Pet. 1:4), and our own unworthiness (Gen. 32:10); as
well as from the view the gospel opens up to us of rest and peace hereafter (Rom.
5:2). (Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary).
In other
words, contentment is being happy or satisfied whatever our lot in life, knowing
that God created us and provides for us out of His abundant kindness, righteousness,
mercy and riches and that being children of almighty God, there is no higher
position in the universe than in His presence and favor. Our satisfaction
should come from emulating His character.
1 Timothy
6:6-8
6 But
godliness with contentment is great gain.
7
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry
nothing out.
8
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Luke 3:14
And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And
he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be
content with your wages.
Philippians
4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in
whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such
things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Job 5:17
Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou
the chastening of the Almighty:
Psalms 127:5
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them (children): they shall
not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
Psalms 128:1
¶<<A Song of degrees.>> Blessed is every one that feareth the
LORD; that walketh in his ways.
:2
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it
shall be well with thee.
Psalms 144:15
Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose
God is the LORD.
Psalms 146:5
Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the
LORD his God:
Proverbs 3:13
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth
understanding.
Proverbs 14:21
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the
poor, happy is he.
Proverbs 16:20
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in
the LORD, happy is he.
Proverbs 29:18
¶Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law,
happy is he.
John 13:17
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
James 5:11
Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience
of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and
of tender mercy.
1 Peter 3:14
But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not
afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
1 Peter 4:14
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit
of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but
on your part he is glorified.
We should
be content (or happy) with: Food, raiment, our wages.
We should
be content (or happy) when we understand His: power (fear of the Lord), promised
presence, correction, Protection and help.
Happiness
or contentment comes through: God's reward or gifts (of children), the gaining
of wisdom and understanding, helping the poor, living within the law, doing the
Lord's commands, enduring hardship, enduring reproach for the name of Christ.