The concept of Contentment in Christianity
According to Christianity, contentment involves a recognition of one's situation and an acceptance of what one has. This idea, though not explicitly stated in the Old Testament, is encouraged through the Ten Commandments and highlighted in Proverbs, urging individuals to refrain from coveting others' possessions. The Catholic Church further defines contentment as a moderation of desires, promoting simplicity and discouraging excessive wants, leading to a more fulfilling and peaceful state of mind.
Synonyms: Satisfaction, Happiness, Fulfillment, Pleasure, Peace, Gratification, Ease, Serenity, Complacency, Wellbeing
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Contentment'
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) A form of moderation regarding desires, where an individual avoids excessive wants and embraces simplicity.[1]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) This concept, absent in the Old Testament, is indirectly encouraged through the Ten Commandments and emphasized in Proverbs, suggesting that individuals should not desire what others possess, recognizing potential hardships faced by those perceived as fortunate, and achieving a fulfilling state of mind.[2]