Contentment not Found in an Exchange of Places
Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.


In a room, there was a gold fish, in a glass globe, in water; and there was a canary up in a cage by the window. It was a very hot day; and the fish in the globe, and the canary in the cage began talking (of course you know in fables anything can talk). The fish said, "I wish I could sing like that canary. I should like to be up there in that cage." And the canary, who was uncommonly hot, said, "Oh, how nice to be down in that cool water where the fish is!" Suddenly a voice said, "Canary, go down to the water! Fish go up into the cage!" Immediately they both exchanged places. Weren't they happy? Wasn't the fish happy up in the cage? Wasn't thee canary happy down in the cool water? How long did their happiness last, do you think? Ah! God had given to the canary and the fish "according to their ability." He had given each a place suited to their natures.

(J. Vaughan, M. A.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

WEB: Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.




Contentment Looks At What is Left
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