Contentment is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of finding satisfaction and peace in God’s providence. Contentment is a deliberate choice to be made in all situations, whether in abundance or lack. It recognizes that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God rather than material possessions.

Embracing Contentment

Contentment is a virtue cultivated through faith, trust, and gratitude for the blessings God provides. It extends beyond personal circumstances to encompass a spirit of generosity and compassion. The Bible teaches us to share our blessings and find joy in serving others.

In embracing contentment, we align our desires with God’s will, acknowledging that genuine fulfillment comes from living a purposeful life dedicated to loving God and others. Contentment becomes a transformative force, shaping attitudes and actions. As we trust God and give thanks in all circumstances, we will experience God’s presence and peace.

Scripture on Contentment

Here are just a few of the Bible’s teachings about contentment to help you stay grounded in truth and grace. All verses are in the English Standard Version. I’ve linked out to Bible Gateway so you can read each verse in its full chapter context. 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.- Psalms 23:1

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. – Psalms 37:4-5

Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it. – Proverbs 15:16

All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast. – Proverbs 15:15

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. – Proverbs 17:22

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. – Proverbs 14:30

Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. – Proverbs 28:6

I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man. – Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. – Habakkuk 3:17-19

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. – Matthew 5:6

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? –Matthew 6:25-26

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. – Luke 12:15

Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! – Luke 12:24

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.” – John 4:13-15

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. – 1 Corinthians 7:17

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:12-13

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. – 1 Timothy 6:6-7

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5

If you have any other favorite verses about contentment, please share in the comments below!