Topical Encyclopedia Contentment is a state of satisfaction and peace, often associated with a reliance on God's provision and a trust in His sovereignty. In contrast, the wicked are frequently depicted in Scripture as being in a state of perpetual want, driven by insatiable desires and a lack of trust in God.The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature of contentment and the consequences of its absence. In Proverbs 13:25 , it is written, "The righteous eat to their hearts' content, but the stomach of the wicked is empty." This verse highlights the contrast between the righteous, who find satisfaction in what they have, and the wicked, who are never satisfied, always craving more. The wicked's lack of contentment is often tied to their pursuit of material wealth and earthly pleasures. Ecclesiastes 5:10 states, "He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile." The pursuit of wealth, when it becomes an idol, leads to a cycle of endless desire and dissatisfaction, a hallmark of the wicked's experience. Psalm 10:3 further illustrates the mindset of the wicked: "For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD." Here, the wicked are characterized by their pride in their desires and their disdain for God, which leads them away from true contentment found in Him. The New Testament also addresses the issue of contentment and the dangers of covetousness. In 1 Timothy 6:6-10 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." This passage underscores the spiritual peril of discontentment and the pursuit of wealth, which can lead to a departure from faith and an abundance of sorrows. The wicked's want is not merely a physical or material lack but a spiritual void that cannot be filled by earthly means. In contrast, contentment is portrayed as a virtue that stems from a relationship with God, who provides for His people. Philippians 4:11-13 offers insight into the Apostle Paul's perspective on contentment: "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Paul's contentment is rooted in his faith in Christ, demonstrating that true satisfaction is found in reliance on God's strength and provision, rather than in the accumulation of worldly goods. In summary, the Bible presents contentment as a virtue that is closely linked to righteousness and trust in God, while the wicked are depicted as being in a state of constant want, driven by unfulfilled desires and a lack of faith. This dichotomy serves as a reminder of the spiritual fulfillment that comes from a life centered on God, as opposed to the emptiness that accompanies a life focused on worldly pursuits. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 5:8Woe to them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the middle of the earth! Torrey's Topical Textbook Ecclesiastes 5:10 Library Tenth Commandment The Mortifications Here Treated of in Particular are not of Such ... The Bible --The Background and the Picture. "Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on ... Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me all the Days of My Life ... Waiting Only Upon God Assurance The Springs of Social Life. The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest. A Personal Experience. Resources What does the Bible say about finding satisfaction in life? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between envy and jealousy, biblically speaking? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about covetousness? | GotQuestions.org Contentment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Contentment with Godliness is Great Gain Contentment: Barzillai, in Refusing to Go With David to Jerusalem Contentment: Esau, in Refusing Jacob's Present Contentment: General Scriptures Concerning Contentment: God's Promises should Lead To Contentment: Saints should Exhibit in Their Respective Callings Contentment: Saints should Exhibit with Appointed Wages Contentment: Saints should Exhibit with Food and Raiment Contentment: Saints should Exhibit with What Things They Have Contentment: The Shunammite, in Refusing to Make a Request of Elisha Related Terms |
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