I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance.

I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing.

I do not say this because I am seeking a gift. Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account.

But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that.

The one who loves money will never be satisfied with money, he who loves wealth will never be satisfied with his income. This also is futile.

For we have brought nothing into this world and so we cannot take a single thing out either.

I have great joy in the Lord because now at last you have again expressed your concern for me. (Now I know you were concerned before but had no opportunity to do anything.)

Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit.

Let each one remain in that situation in life in which he was called.

Your conduct must be free from the love of money and you must be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you and I will never abandon you."

I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.

Nevertheless, let us live up to the standard that we have already attained.

For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.

For many live, about whom I have often told you, and now, with tears, I tell you that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.

Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.

Fearing the Lord leads to life, and one who does so will live satisfied; he will not be afflicted by calamity.

He told them, "Collect no more than you are required to."

As for me, because I am innocent I will see your face; when I awake you will reveal yourself to me.

The righteous has enough food to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked lacks food.

then I was beside him as a master craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, rejoicing before him at all times,

I fear for you that my work for you may have been in vain.

I have concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they live,

Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth and turmoil with it.

"Now then, be good enough to look at me; and I will not lie to your face!

Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to the deeds he is doing -- the bringing of unjustified charges against us with evil words! And not being content with that, he not only refuses to welcome the brothers himself, but hinders the people who want to do so and throws them out of the church!

You will eat, but not be satisfied. Even if you have the strength to overtake some prey, you will not be able to carry it away; if you do happen to carry away something, I will deliver it over to the sword.

lest I become satisfied and act deceptively and say, "Who is the Lord?" Or lest I become poor and steal and demean the name of my God.

Were you called as a slave? Do not worry about it. But if indeed you are able to be free, make the most of the opportunity.

Then some soldiers also asked him, "And as for us -- what should we do?" He told them, "Take money from no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your pay."

For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.

I say to the Lord, "You are the Lord, my only source of well-being."

Remember those in prison as though you were in prison with them, and those ill-treated as though you too felt their torment.

Sorrow is better than laughter, because sober reflection is good for the heart.

And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is happy to live with her, she should not divorce him.

For the one who was called in the Lord as a slave is the Lord's freedman. In the same way, the one who was called as a free person is Christ's slave.

Whenever you enter a town and the people welcome you, eat what is set before you.

As if with choice meat you satisfy my soul. My mouth joyfully praises you,

with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

You will have plenty to eat, and your hunger will be fully satisfied; you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has acted wondrously in your behalf. My people will never again be put to shame.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Be imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and watch carefully those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example.

But our citizenship is in heaven -- and we also await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,