Contentment
From Eco-Bible 1
These are notes for an incomplete "Concept" page.
- Information is being added as the Bible Pages are added. In the end, everything will be compiled, further information added (as necessary), broken links connected, etc.
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See also: Satisfaction.
See also: Envy (the opposite concept)
Scripture Pages that Link to Here
- Even though life is (and must be) a burden - see the comments at Ecclesiastes 1:13-15 - God offers joy to those who please him (those who do what is right). This is the "best good" that we ought to pursue in life. We ought to enjoy the fruit of our labor, and recognize that this enjoyment comes from God. (Recognizing this will influence how we do the enjoying. In other words, it will influence our values.)
- This joy is related to the concept of contentment, described by the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:11-12. It is not dependent on the accumulation of possessions - something that even wicked people - "sinners" - can do (v. 26)!
- Ecc 4:6 Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.
- This is contentment, and is compatible with the joy and satisfaction described in previous chapters.
- It is much better to be content with what we have, than to destroy ourselves pursuing what we cannot keep!
- Whatever we may have (little or much), consider it a gift from God! This will influence not only our attitude toward our wealth, but also the way we use it. (We won't misuse it or become preoccupied with using it for ourselves.)
- Being content with what you have is better than having wishful desires for what you don't (or can't) have.
Unless otherwise noted, all notes and comments are © by Dennis Hinks.
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