Bible verses about contentment
Philippians 4:11-12, 1 Timothy 6:6-8 and Hebrews 13:5 sum up what the Bible says about being content. Paul says he learned it, and the others tie it to having enough and to God staying with you. All twelve are below in full.
Free to read, no account. Last updated November 9, 2026. Scripture: King James Version and World English Bible (public domain).
1.Philippians 4:11-12
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 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.
In the World English Bible
Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.
Paul wrote this from prison. He says contentment was something he learned over time, in plenty and in need.
2.1 Timothy 6:6-8
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
In the World English Bible
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Paul tells Timothy that godliness with contentment is real gain, and food and clothes can be enough.
3.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.
In the World English Bible
Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.”
The writer ties a love of money to being content and says God has promised to stay. Wanting less goes with knowing you're not alone.
4.Psalm 16:6
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
In the World English Bible
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. Yes, I have a good inheritance.
David looks at his life and sees good boundaries and a good inheritance. A thankful look at what he has.
5.Proverbs 15:16-17
Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
In the World English Bible
Better is little, with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble. Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a fattened calf with hatred.
Respect for the Lord with a little beats a lot with trouble. A simple meal with love beats a feast with hate.
6.Ecclesiastes 4:6
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
In the World English Bible
Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.
Better a handful with quiet than two fists full of work and chasing. A short line with a lot in it.
7.Proverbs 30:8-9
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: 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.
In the World English Bible
Remove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full, deny you, and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ or lest I be poor, and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
The writer prays for neither poverty nor riches, just daily bread. Both extremes have a cost.
8.Psalm 131:1-2
LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.
In the World English Bible
LORD, my heart isn’t arrogant, nor my eyes lofty; nor do I concern myself with great matters, or things too wonderful for me. Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Calm and small in scale, this psalm says the writer has quieted his soul like a weaned child.
9.Proverbs 14:30
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
In the World English Bible
The life of the body is a heart at peace, but envy rots the bones.
Envy rots the bones, and a calm heart gives life to the body. A practical look at what jealousy costs.
10.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.
In the World English Bible
Soldiers also asked him, saying, “What about us? What must we do?” He said to them, “Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages.”
Soldiers ask John the Baptist what to do. His answer includes being content with their pay.
11.Proverbs 17:1
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
In the World English Bible
Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.
Peace with a dry piece of bread beats a house full of feasting and fighting.
12.Genesis 33:9
And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself.
In the World English Bible
Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; let that which you have be yours.”
Esau meets Jacob after years apart and says he has plenty. A quick, real example of enough.
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Read today's verseQuestions
What is a good Bible verse about contentment?
Philippians 4:11-12 is a good place to start. Paul wrote this from prison. He says contentment was something he learned over time, in plenty and in need.
What does the Bible say about being content with what you have?
Philippians 4:11-12 is the main passage, where Paul says he learned to be content in any situation. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 says food and clothing can be enough. Hebrews 13:5 links it with trusting that God stays with you.
Is it wrong to want more?
The Bible doesn't call wanting better things wrong. Proverbs 30:8-9 asks for enough, not too much and not too little. Proverbs 14:30 warns about envy, which is a different thing than ambition.
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Made by Lamplight, a small Sarvixo product. Notes on each verse are ours, written with AI tools and checked against the passage. The verses are printed exactly as published.