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The Art of Divine Contentment
"Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward;" therefore we all need to learn the same lesson as Paul. "I have learned," he said "in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content," Philippians 4. 11. Believers, especially, wish to attain to a holy equanimity in their tribulations and under the stresses caused by our increasingly secular society…
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1654
421 people are currently reading
1510 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Watson
659 books236 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Thomas Watson (c. 1620 - 1686) was an English, non-conformist, Puritan preacher and author. He was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was noted for remarkably intense study. In 1646 he commenced a sixteen year pastorate at St. Stephen's, Walbrook. He showed strong Presbyterian views during the civil war, with, however, an attachment to the king, and in 1651 he was imprisoned briefly with some other ministers for his share in Christopher Love's plot to recall Charles II of England. He was released on 30 June 1652, and was formally reinstated as vicar of St. Stephen's Walbrook. He obtained great fame and popularity as a preacher until the Restoration, when he was ejected for nonconformity. Not withstanding the rigor of the acts against dissenters, Watson continued to exercise his ministry privately as he found opportunity. Upon the Declaration of Indulgence in 1672 he obtained a license to preach at the great hall in Crosby House. After preaching there for several years, his health gave way, and he retired to Barnston, Essex, where he died suddenly while praying in secret. He was buried on 28 July 1686.
(Information from wikipedia.org)
Thomas Watson (c. 1620 - 1686) was an English, non-conformist, Puritan preacher and author. He was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was noted for remarkably intense study. In 1646 he commenced a sixteen year pastorate at St. Stephen's, Walbrook. He showed strong Presbyterian views during the civil war, with, however, an attachment to the king, and in 1651 he was imprisoned briefly with some other ministers for his share in Christopher Love's plot to recall Charles II of England. He was released on 30 June 1652, and was formally reinstated as vicar of St. Stephen's Walbrook. He obtained great fame and popularity as a preacher until the Restoration, when he was ejected for nonconformity. Not withstanding the rigor of the acts against dissenters, Watson continued to exercise his ministry privately as he found opportunity. Upon the Declaration of Indulgence in 1672 he obtained a license to preach at the great hall in Crosby House. After preaching there for several years, his health gave way, and he retired to Barnston, Essex, where he died suddenly while praying in secret. He was buried on 28 July 1686.
(Information from wikipedia.org)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
January 9, 2018
Beautiful exposition of Philippians 4:11. Thomas Watson is my favorite Puritan author and this one should be read often. If you highlight in your books, you would be better off highlighting what *isn't* a meaningful, insightful teaching. Enjoyed every page of this.
September 28, 2019
Mr. Watson does away with my objection that I cannot in writing be deep and concise. His sentences have a chiseled power which has aged remarkably well to address our shrunken attention spans with bite-size, well grounded theology.
July 16, 2024
This book truly changed my life & is at the top of my list of very favorites. The book so endeared Thomas Watson to me & gave me new hope concerning be content in the midst of afflictions that never depart. I encourage every Christian to add this to their library & there just isn't enough room or time for me to name all the worthwhile attributes of this wonderful life-changing masterpiece!
August 10, 2023
July 3, 2023 — Went to church yesterday for a sermon on complaining. Came home to pick up where I left off in this. Please send ambulance. May not recover. 😆
Next time I read this, I think I'll skip the parts where he gets into "Why did this happen? Maybe x, y, or z." Yeah, but maybe a host of other reasons, and I don't find the speculating particularly helpful.
*****
I remember some fellow in some college Bible study group refer to having been "convicted with an ax." It was a funny expression that stuck with me, and I pull it out if the recesses of my mind on occasions such as this.
Another narrator who thinks there's a ch sound in covetous. 🤷♀️
Next time I read this, I think I'll skip the parts where he gets into "Why did this happen? Maybe x, y, or z." Yeah, but maybe a host of other reasons, and I don't find the speculating particularly helpful.
*****
I remember some fellow in some college Bible study group refer to having been "convicted with an ax." It was a funny expression that stuck with me, and I pull it out if the recesses of my mind on occasions such as this.
Another narrator who thinks there's a ch sound in covetous. 🤷♀️
May 4, 2020
2020: Great. Read alongside with Jeremiah Burroughs' book The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment- (I'm wondering who wrote his book first?) Both books great, but if you are going to read only one, I say read Burroughs'.
2019:An encouraging exposition of Philippians 4:11. Read also All Things For Good (an exposition of Rom 8:28) by the same author. Both books will challenge you and encourage you to persevere faithfully and joyfully through trails.
2019:An encouraging exposition of Philippians 4:11. Read also All Things For Good (an exposition of Rom 8:28) by the same author. Both books will challenge you and encourage you to persevere faithfully and joyfully through trails.
December 14, 2022
Now I have to read more Watson.
“In a word a contented Christian, being sweetly captivated under the authority of the Word, desires to be wholly at God's disposal and is willing to live in that sphere and climate where God has set him.”
“In a word a contented Christian, being sweetly captivated under the authority of the Word, desires to be wholly at God's disposal and is willing to live in that sphere and climate where God has set him.”
June 23, 2025
Short read filled with many gems! Love Watson’s writing style and format, very easy to read and enjoyable. The root of discontentment is pride, the wrong thinking that we deserve more, and better from God. Watson does an incredible job refuting claims that in trials, we have the right to be discontent, when truly our sinfulness and unrighteousness has cancelled any claim of injustice done towards us!! But… Praise God for the mercy and grace he has shown us through his Son, who gave us new life in him. That we may find contentment in him and him alone!
A great exposition on-
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
Philippians 4:11
“Discontent is to the soul, as a disease is to the body; it puts it out of sorts and hinders its regular movements toward heaven.”
“God’s providence, which is nothing but the fulfillment of His decree, should be a guarantee and an opposing force against discontentment. In His wisdom, God had set us in our current situation.” (Wow.)
(Use 3: Glorify God)
“It exhorts us to labor for contentment; this is that which beautifies and adorns Christians, and, like a spiritual embroidery, sets us apart in the eyes of the world.”
“Even so, be content, remembering worley comforts are not the only things, nor even the best things. They are mercies without promise… They (unbelievers) have fertile land, but you have those springs of living water, which are clarified with Christ’s blood and infused with His love.”
The only things we as Christians are to be discontent with are; “our sin, sinful company, and fruitlessness.”
A great exposition on-
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
Philippians 4:11
“Discontent is to the soul, as a disease is to the body; it puts it out of sorts and hinders its regular movements toward heaven.”
“God’s providence, which is nothing but the fulfillment of His decree, should be a guarantee and an opposing force against discontentment. In His wisdom, God had set us in our current situation.” (Wow.)
(Use 3: Glorify God)
“It exhorts us to labor for contentment; this is that which beautifies and adorns Christians, and, like a spiritual embroidery, sets us apart in the eyes of the world.”
“Even so, be content, remembering worley comforts are not the only things, nor even the best things. They are mercies without promise… They (unbelievers) have fertile land, but you have those springs of living water, which are clarified with Christ’s blood and infused with His love.”
The only things we as Christians are to be discontent with are; “our sin, sinful company, and fruitlessness.”
January 7, 2022
Short and sweet - a wonderful exhortation and encouragement to godly contentment. Definitely will be a re-read for me!
January 8, 2022
This book is so rich that I will certainly be coming back to it again and again. I practically enjoyed Chapter 14 - Rules about Contentment - which helps to direct believers in how to attain contentment.
January 30, 2024
One of the most beautiful and simultaneously convicting books I’ve ever read.
October 6, 2021
Quel bon livre!
Qu'il est trop souvent difficile de se contenter de ce que l'on possède.
Dans ce court bouquin, Thomas Watson nous expose les différents dangers de la convoitise et du mécontentement pour nous recentrer vers une vérité centrale des Écritures = Le contentement est un don de Dieu.
Dans ce livre, nous pouvons apprendre sur des sujets tel que: qu'est-ce que le contentement? Comment l'atteindre? Quels sont ses ennemis? Pourquoi le rechercher? Etc.
Comme à l'habitude, Thomas Watson écrit très bien, c'est définitivement un ouvrage qui se dévore. Je conseil fortement.
Qu'il est trop souvent difficile de se contenter de ce que l'on possède.
Dans ce court bouquin, Thomas Watson nous expose les différents dangers de la convoitise et du mécontentement pour nous recentrer vers une vérité centrale des Écritures = Le contentement est un don de Dieu.
Dans ce livre, nous pouvons apprendre sur des sujets tel que: qu'est-ce que le contentement? Comment l'atteindre? Quels sont ses ennemis? Pourquoi le rechercher? Etc.
Comme à l'habitude, Thomas Watson écrit très bien, c'est définitivement un ouvrage qui se dévore. Je conseil fortement.
September 4, 2019
Convicting and encouraging. Very very good
September 1, 2023
This book beats you up a bit but well worth the read.
February 20, 2024
My two favorite quotes from this book. "A parent can grant knowledge, but only God can grant Grace." & "Affliction is the saints uniform. It is a badge and cognizance of honor." This book, as with much of Puritan literature, has many beautiful devotional aspects, though I think at times it could have been more pastoral in how it discussed the loss of children it was a wonderful book overall. Largely focusing on why we should seek contentment, the benefits of contentment, and the danger of discontentment it did give some very practical advice and many great things to focus on. To list a few very real dangers mentioned: pride, covetousness, apostasy, and many more. I'm very much reminded of the thought of trials that Thomas Oden describes in his commentary on the "catholic (universal) epistles." Weather Peter or Paul the description of trials is the concept of things that refine us, like the analogy of being forged by God. The impurities being removed and the metal growing pure and strong through refinement, through trials that challenge us and force us to lean on God. Much as the Hebrews were to do in the wilderness, to learn to truly and fully rely and lean on God.
You can find a free online version from Aneko Press both an audio reading on YouTube, and a free eBook version.
Chapter 1: The Scholar
2: The Lesson
3: The Character of Contentment
4: Why Should we Be Content
5: The Usefulness of Contentment
6: How Is It Possible to Be Content
7: Motivations to Contentment
9: Discontent
10: Cautions (the 3 times when NOT to be content)
11: Characteristics of Contentment
12: Rules for Contentment
13: The Contented Christian's Comfort
You can find a free online version from Aneko Press both an audio reading on YouTube, and a free eBook version.
Chapter 1: The Scholar
2: The Lesson
3: The Character of Contentment
4: Why Should we Be Content
5: The Usefulness of Contentment
6: How Is It Possible to Be Content
7: Motivations to Contentment
9: Discontent
10: Cautions (the 3 times when NOT to be content)
11: Characteristics of Contentment
12: Rules for Contentment
13: The Contented Christian's Comfort
February 22, 2024
Update: First read in 2022, read again in 2024. A welcome remedy to discontent and self-pity. Will continue to reread this again and again.
This was an incredible read. I recommend listening to it on audiobook as it was much easier for me to follow along that way. I especially loved all of chapter 10 and all of the examples Watson gave to how we are prone to discontent in ways we may not even realize. He makes a clear point that the sin of discontent makes way for many other sins to abound so to be extra cautious and aware of the discontent that may be residing in our own hearts.
"Be content; if God dam up our outward comforts, it is, that the stream of our love may run faster another way."
This was an incredible read. I recommend listening to it on audiobook as it was much easier for me to follow along that way. I especially loved all of chapter 10 and all of the examples Watson gave to how we are prone to discontent in ways we may not even realize. He makes a clear point that the sin of discontent makes way for many other sins to abound so to be extra cautious and aware of the discontent that may be residing in our own hearts.
"Be content; if God dam up our outward comforts, it is, that the stream of our love may run faster another way."
September 10, 2020
This is one of my top 5 favorite books right now! It is so good! Thomas Watson brings words together in a picture that you can almost touch!
January 17, 2021
The best work of Watson I've read. It is full or biblical precision as well as great word pictures to shine the light on truth. Very highly recommended!
December 30, 2024
A great and necessary book for those who follow Christ.
Discontent is a besetting sin of so many of us, ironically in a day when we live in abscess amounts of wealth. Watson makes the point that increased riches often leads to increased discontent. None of us is as well off as we’d like to be, but we should not bemoan our “poverty,” whatever that might look like, but realize that God uses trials to draw sin out of us and bring us closer to him. Therefore we ought to be content.
One of the main points of Watson throughout this book is that if we actually live by faith that God loves us and has our best interest in mind, we will live contentedly. God is not cruel, and he does not forget about us. He uses every little piece of our lives for our good and His glory. He is shaping us into the men and women we will be in the Resurrection. This should cause us to live contended in every situation.
I’m adding this to my list of yearly re-reads, as I think it’s a reminder we need often.
Some great quotes:
“Here is the difference between a holy complaint and a discontented complaint: in the one we complain to God, in the other we complain of God.”
—-
“Whatever our condition is, God, the umpire of the world, has, from everlasting, decreed that condition for us and, by His providence, ordered all that comes with it.”
—-
“one man thinks a country life is best, another a city life. The soldier thinks it best to be a merchant, and the merchant thinks it better to be a soldier. People can be content to be anything except what God would have them to be.”
—-
“You would think it was excellent if I could prescribe a recipe or antidote against poverty, but here is something that is even more excellent: for a man to be in need and yet have enough. Only contentment of spirit can bring this.”
—-
“He who studies his sins, the numberless number of them, how they are twisted together and accented with sadness, is patient and says, “I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against Him.” The greater noise drowns the lesser; when the sea roars, the rivers are still. He who thinks long about his sin is both silent and amazed; he wonders why it is not worse with him.”
—-
“Poverty will starve out our sins, and the sickness of the body will cure a sin-sick soul, so instead of murmuring and being discontent, bless the Lord! If you had not encountered such friction in the way, you might have rolled on into hell and never stopped”
—-
“It is not having food and clothing that will make us content, but having faith.”
—-
“He who has God to be his God is so content with his condition that he does not much care whether he has anything else. To rest in a condition where a Christian cannot say God is his God is a matter of fear; if he can say so truly but yet is not content, it is a matter of shame.”
Discontent is a besetting sin of so many of us, ironically in a day when we live in abscess amounts of wealth. Watson makes the point that increased riches often leads to increased discontent. None of us is as well off as we’d like to be, but we should not bemoan our “poverty,” whatever that might look like, but realize that God uses trials to draw sin out of us and bring us closer to him. Therefore we ought to be content.
One of the main points of Watson throughout this book is that if we actually live by faith that God loves us and has our best interest in mind, we will live contentedly. God is not cruel, and he does not forget about us. He uses every little piece of our lives for our good and His glory. He is shaping us into the men and women we will be in the Resurrection. This should cause us to live contended in every situation.
I’m adding this to my list of yearly re-reads, as I think it’s a reminder we need often.
Some great quotes:
“Here is the difference between a holy complaint and a discontented complaint: in the one we complain to God, in the other we complain of God.”
—-
“Whatever our condition is, God, the umpire of the world, has, from everlasting, decreed that condition for us and, by His providence, ordered all that comes with it.”
—-
“one man thinks a country life is best, another a city life. The soldier thinks it best to be a merchant, and the merchant thinks it better to be a soldier. People can be content to be anything except what God would have them to be.”
—-
“You would think it was excellent if I could prescribe a recipe or antidote against poverty, but here is something that is even more excellent: for a man to be in need and yet have enough. Only contentment of spirit can bring this.”
—-
“He who studies his sins, the numberless number of them, how they are twisted together and accented with sadness, is patient and says, “I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against Him.” The greater noise drowns the lesser; when the sea roars, the rivers are still. He who thinks long about his sin is both silent and amazed; he wonders why it is not worse with him.”
—-
“Poverty will starve out our sins, and the sickness of the body will cure a sin-sick soul, so instead of murmuring and being discontent, bless the Lord! If you had not encountered such friction in the way, you might have rolled on into hell and never stopped”
—-
“It is not having food and clothing that will make us content, but having faith.”
—-
“He who has God to be his God is so content with his condition that he does not much care whether he has anything else. To rest in a condition where a Christian cannot say God is his God is a matter of fear; if he can say so truly but yet is not content, it is a matter of shame.”
March 9, 2025
This book is nothing short of a spiritual treasure! The compelling exposition of Philippians 4:11 invites readers on an deep journey toward understanding the profound joy and peace that comes from true contentment. Watson, with his rich Puritan insights, masterfully articulates the notion that contentment isn’t just a passive state but a teachable art form that every Christian can learn to embrace.
Watson’s writing is both beautifully poetic and deeply practical, drawing readers into the heart of biblical wisdom. He tackles the heart-wrenching struggles we all face with a warm and compassionate tone that feels like a wise friend guiding us through life’s storms. His anecdotes and teachings breathe life into the text, making it relatable and inspiring!
The updated and annotated version provides fresh context and insights that make Watson’s timeless messages resonate even more profoundly with today's readers. The annotations encourage deeper reflection, allowing each reader to unpack the layers of meaning and apply them to their own lives.
Every chapter is brimming with encouragement, urging us to seek a mindset of contentment in a world that often feels chaotic and unsatisfying. Watson challenges us to rise above our circumstances and discover joy in every moment.
In short, "The Art of Divine Contentment" is not just a book, it's an invitation to cultivate a heart fully satisfied in God. Biblically sound, with an incredibly powerful and necessary message, this book is a must-read for anyone desiring a truly transformative experience.
[this ebook is free on Amazon store! Just look up the author and you will find it]
Watson’s writing is both beautifully poetic and deeply practical, drawing readers into the heart of biblical wisdom. He tackles the heart-wrenching struggles we all face with a warm and compassionate tone that feels like a wise friend guiding us through life’s storms. His anecdotes and teachings breathe life into the text, making it relatable and inspiring!
The updated and annotated version provides fresh context and insights that make Watson’s timeless messages resonate even more profoundly with today's readers. The annotations encourage deeper reflection, allowing each reader to unpack the layers of meaning and apply them to their own lives.
Every chapter is brimming with encouragement, urging us to seek a mindset of contentment in a world that often feels chaotic and unsatisfying. Watson challenges us to rise above our circumstances and discover joy in every moment.
In short, "The Art of Divine Contentment" is not just a book, it's an invitation to cultivate a heart fully satisfied in God. Biblically sound, with an incredibly powerful and necessary message, this book is a must-read for anyone desiring a truly transformative experience.
[this ebook is free on Amazon store! Just look up the author and you will find it]
August 15, 2023
Another excellent tonic for the soul: Read Jeremiah Burroughs’ book with a similar title, and read this one as well. Both authors are clear and direct about the dangers of discontentment, providing helpful tips to overcome it. In my opinion, few things are as poisonous to the soul as discontentment, which often leads to grumbling and complaining. Watson rightly captures the truth that discontentment not only fails to improve our condition but, more importantly, it stirs up the wrath of God.
April 3, 2024
This is a book that I will read over & over. I read through it slow because it was so rich with a lot to think about. The original book was written around 1660 & this modern retelling is done so well. It didn’t seem watered down. I had the original on my kindle & I feel like the new edition was better organized for readability. I definitely recommend this book.
January 10, 2022
A beautiful book for Christians who struggle with being content. So many wonderful truths in simple words.
November 29, 2022
This book is equally convicting and comforting. Just what my soul needed.
May 11, 2025
Really helpful and convicting book. I will definitely be reading it again!
May 29, 2025
"True faith will trust God where it cannot trace him, and will adventure upon God's bond though it hath nothing in view."
March 26, 2018
Another gem from Thomas Watson.
July 27, 2019
Excellent, convicting, straightforward read. I'd recommend it to all!
December 18, 2023
This book was very timely and helpful for me. May God help each of us find contentment in Christ!
October 26, 2025
So good! Should go back go this one often!!
April 23, 2022
May, 2021 — So I've evidently listened to this LibriVox edition before...and completely forgotten having done so! Anyway, I was able to pay closer attention this time. There were a few bits I didn't find helpful, such as why God gives this trial or that — such speculations seem unsafe to me, but mostly gold all the way through.
I appreciated Jen Raimundo's narration. Especially for devotional reading, I'd rather have a slightly less polished performance (covetousness does NOT have a CH sound!) from someone with intelligent comprehension and appreciation than perfect professionalism from someone for whom it's just a job.
*****
I've learned my lesson. I can't listen to non-narrative books while I'm working. Fiction and biography work OK, but following an argument apparently takes the same part of my brain as working out the problems of a book layout. So, despite repeating quite a few sections, I didn't hear carefully enough to give this a really fair assessment. But I caught some gems along the way and a few things I'd have to give a closer thought to. I'll have to go through it more carefully sometime (and likely give it the five stars it probably deserves). It'd be nice to tweet through it -- Watson was a few centuries too early for the perfect platform for his pity prose. I found him the most accessible of the Puritans I've read. And someday, perhaps, I'll remember whether it's The Art of Divine Contentment or The Divine Art of Contentment, because I have to double-check every time!
The reader was a young woman who obviously appreciated the book. Her voice and intonation were pleasant, and her mispronunciations were typical of someone handling the vocabulary of a seventeenth century text. (Oh how it tickles me that I live in an era when I can push buttons and have people read book after book after book to me!)
I appreciated Jen Raimundo's narration. Especially for devotional reading, I'd rather have a slightly less polished performance (covetousness does NOT have a CH sound!) from someone with intelligent comprehension and appreciation than perfect professionalism from someone for whom it's just a job.
*****
I've learned my lesson. I can't listen to non-narrative books while I'm working. Fiction and biography work OK, but following an argument apparently takes the same part of my brain as working out the problems of a book layout. So, despite repeating quite a few sections, I didn't hear carefully enough to give this a really fair assessment. But I caught some gems along the way and a few things I'd have to give a closer thought to. I'll have to go through it more carefully sometime (and likely give it the five stars it probably deserves). It'd be nice to tweet through it -- Watson was a few centuries too early for the perfect platform for his pity prose. I found him the most accessible of the Puritans I've read. And someday, perhaps, I'll remember whether it's The Art of Divine Contentment or The Divine Art of Contentment, because I have to double-check every time!
The reader was a young woman who obviously appreciated the book. Her voice and intonation were pleasant, and her mispronunciations were typical of someone handling the vocabulary of a seventeenth century text. (Oh how it tickles me that I live in an era when I can push buttons and have people read book after book after book to me!)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews