Bible Verses About Contentment

The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.”

But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?

I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of singing men and women? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

Your servant could go with the king only a short distance past the Jordan; why should the king repay me with such a reward?

Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.”

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live,

and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.

All a man’s labor is for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.

What advantage, then, has the wise man over the fool? What gain comes to the poor man who knows how to conduct himself before others?

Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works:

Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head.

Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun.

Each one should remain in the situation he was in when he was called.

Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity.

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.

Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it.

But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.