Discontent is a state of dissatisfaction or frustration with one’s circumstances, and it is a common human experience. However, the Bible has much to say about the problem of discontentment and offers guidance for those who strive to overcome it. This summary provides an insight into the biblical perspective and teachings regarding discontent.
What Does the Bible Say About Discontent?
The Bible addresses discontent in various ways, putting forth a central concept that the state of dissatisfaction comes from a lack of faith or trust in God and His providence. Instead of focusing on the things that we do not have or cannot control, the Bible encourages us to have faith in God and to be grateful for the blessings that we do have. This shift in focus allows us to replace feelings of discontent with feelings of peace and satisfaction.
How Does the Bible Encourage Dealing With Discontent?
Throughout the Bible, there are numerous teachings and stories that provide guidance on dealing with discontent. One of the primary ways is through understanding and accepting God’s sovereignty. Fully recognizing that God is in control of all circumstances, big or small, can be a powerful antidote to feelings of discontent. If we trust in God’s wisdom and love, we can find contentment in the midst of any circumstances.
Why Should We Strive for Contentment According to the Bible?
The Bible teaches that contentment is a virtue worth cultivating as it brings peace and satisfaction. Contentment is depicted as a state of mind where one is at peace, irrespective of external factors. It allows one to live in harmony, free from the constant desire for more – more money, more status, more things. As the Bible sees it, a contented person is able to enjoy what they have and to appreciate the simple blessings of life.
Who in the Bible Exhibited Contentment?
There are numerous individuals in the Bible who exemplified contentment in their lives despite difficult circumstances. One such individual is Paul the Apostle, who, in his various letters, emphasized the importance of being content in any situation. Regardless of whether he was facing hardship or enjoying prosperity, Paul reiterated his faith and trust in God, showcasing a consistent mindset of contentment.
Where Does True Contentment Stem From According to the Bible?
The Bible asserts that true contentment comes from relying on God and finding satisfaction in His love and blessings rather than the material possessions of the world. This is not to say that material wealth or worldly success is bad, but the Bible urges believers not to let these things govern their happiness or contentment. Instead, it encourages finding joy in a relationship with God, in serving others, and in appreciating the spiritual blessings that come from faith.
When Should We Seek Contentment in Our Lives?
According to the Bible, the pursuit of contentment is not confined to a particular phase or circumstance of life. It’s a lifelong endeavor and a continuous process. We should seek contentment in every season of life, whether in times of joy or sorrow, plenty or want, peace or turmoil. By applying biblical teachings and principles, we can learn to have a mindset of contentment in each stage of life, which in turn makes us resilient and gives us a deeper understanding of satisfaction and the ultimate purpose of life.
Below is our full list of bible verses on discontent (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Discontent
Hebrews 13:5
“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.”
Related Themes: Money Loneliness Finances Complaining Greed
Luke 12:15
“15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Greed Lust Materialism
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Related Themes: Complaining Frustration Gratitude Thankfulness Attitude
Matthew 6:33
“33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Psalm 37:4
“4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
Related Themes: Frustration Dating Happiness Life Business
1 Timothy 6:6-10
“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.9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
Related Themes: Lust Money Finances Contentment
Philippians 4:10-13
“10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Related Themes: Frustration
Romans 8:28
“28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Related Themes: Suffering Frustration Sovereignty Complaining Life
1 Peter 5:7
“7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Frustration Depression Worry Complaining
Philippians 4:13
“13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Related Themes: Strength Omnipotence Self Confidence Life Greatness
Luke 3:14
“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.”
1 Corinthians 10:10
“10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.”
Related Themes: Complaining
Philippians 4:11-13
“11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Related Themes: Money Complaining Finances
Matthew 6:24
“24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
1 Peter 3:7-12
“7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”
Related Themes: Dating Marriage Respecting Your Parents Benevolence Respect
Ecclesiastes 5:10
“10 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Greed Vanity Materialism
2 Corinthians 9:11
“11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Generosity Giving Gratitude
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.”
Related Themes: Lust Money Finances Contentment
Luke 11:13
“13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Offering Family
Romans 12:2
“2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Creativity Attitude Business
2 Corinthians 8:9
“9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Money Poverty Prosperity Benevolence
1 John 4:16
“16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”
Psalm 34:10
“10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.”
Philippians 4:19
“19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Homelessness Healing Life
2 Corinthians 12:10
“10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
Related Themes: Persecution Strength Joy Suffering Contentment
Numbers 11:4-6
“4 And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?5 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:6 But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Gluttony Arguing
Proverbs 30:7-9
“7 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.”
Related Themes: Stealing
Acts 17:10-11
“10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Criticism Omnipotence Frustration Lust
Matthew 6:25-26
“25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?”
Related Themes: Money Worry Anxiety Finances Nervousness
Philippians 4:8
“8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Related Themes: Lust Gossip Attitude Complaining
