Tag Archives: The Art of Divine Contentment

Book of the Week

25 Oct


Thomas Watson’s: The Art of Divine Contentment


An incredible resource from a beloved puritan.

From the Publisher:

“Based on Philippians 4:11, “I have learned, in whatever state I am therewith to be content,” Watson considers the great dishonor done to almighty God by the sin of discontent. The doctrine of Christian contentment is clearly illustrated and profitably applied. The special cases where, through changes in providences, discontentment most commonly arises are examined and preservatives are applied to the soul.”

From CCEL.org:

” The Apostle Paul, in Phil. 4:11, says “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Thomas Watson, an English Puritan preacher, wants to teach readers how to gain the same contentment as Paul. Living in the 16th century, Watson believed that discontentment was a sin, and so wrote the book The Art of Divine Contentment: An Exposition of Philippians 4:11. Watson spends the entire book on this one verse, and in doing so, presents Christians with a comprehensive method for becoming content. Centered on the idea that “A gracious spirit is a contented spirit,” Watson believes that Christians can be and should be content because of God’s wonderful promises to his people. “The way for a man to be contented,” Watson says, “is not by raising his estate higher, but by bringing his heart lower.” In our contemporary society where discontent is the norm, disillusioned readers will benefit from The Art of Divine Contentment. Watson’s content is God-centered rather than focused on material possessions as so many Christians are today, so it is sure to bring comfort to those who strive to be happy in Christ.”


Get the hardback volume at WTSBooks here.

View it on the web here.

Download a PDF Copy here.

Buy a Kindle copy here

Buy an ePub copy here

Buy The Works of Thomas Watson eBook here.


Thomas Watson – A Most Precious Compound

25 Oct

Contentment, though it be not properly a grace (it is rather a disposition of mind,) yet in it there is a happy mixture of all the graces: it is a most precious compound, which is made up of faith, patience, meekness, humility, etc. which are the ingredients put into it.

~Thomas Watson~



The Art of Divine Contentment (Portland, Oregon; MonergismBooks.com; 2010) eBook: The Works of Thomas Watson. Section: Divine MOTIVES to Contentment. I. Consider the EXCELLENCY of contentment.

Books by Thomas Watson

Biography of Thomas Watson

Other Watson Quotes