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.
εστιν δε πορισμος μεγας η ευσεβεια μετα αυταρκειας ουδεν γαρ εισηνεγκαμεν εις τον κοσμον δηλον οτι ουδε εξενεγκειν τι δυναμεθα εχοντες δε διατροφας και σκεπασματα τουτοις αρκεσθησομεθα
Better is little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure and turmoil therewith.
'Happy are we, happy live we who call nothing our own; when Mithilâ is on fire, nothing is burned that belongs to me.
If by leaving a small pleasure one sees a great pleasure, let a wise man leave the small pleasure, and look to the great.
O mind, remain detached in the midst of your household. Practicing truth, self-discipline and good deeds, the Gurmukh is enlightened.
He knows not God nor performs His worship who is not contented with his lot. Contentment maketh a man rich—tell this to the avaricious. …
ALL this, whatsoever moves on earth, is to be hidden in the Lord (the Self). When thou hast surrendered all this, then thou mayest enjoy. Do not covet the wealth of any man!
The Master said, "With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and my bended arm for a pillow;—I have still joy in the midst of these things. Riches and honours acquired by unrighteousness, are to me as a floating cloud."
Nor strain thine eyes in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment to parties of them, the splendour of the life of this world, through which We test them: but the provision of thy Lord is better and more enduring.
When the Tao prevails in the world, they send back their swift horses to (draw) the dung-carts. When the Tao is disregarded in the world, the war-horses breed in the border lands. There is no guilt greater than to sanction ambition; no calamity greater than to be discontented with one's lot; no fault greater than the wish to be getting. Therefore the sufficiency of contentment is an enduring and unchanging sufficiency.