Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content.
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Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
All sorts of people indeed can suffer poverty, but to “know how to suffer poverty” is a mark of greatness. Likewise, who is there who may not abound? But to “know how to abound” belongs to none but those who are not corrupted by abundance.
Everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to lack. I can do all things through Him who strengtheneth me."
Not that I speak in respect of want. I said, says he, now at length, and I rebuked you, not seeking my own, nor censuring you on this account, as if I were in want: for I sought it not on this account. Whence is this, O Paul, that you make no vain boasting? To the Corinthians he says, For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or even acknowledge. 2 Corinthians 1:13 And in this case he would not have spoken to them so as to be convicted, he would not, had he been making boasts, have spoken thus. He was speaking to those who knew the facts, with whom detection would have been a greater disgrace. For I have learned, says he, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. Wherefore, this is an object of discipline, and exercise, and care, for it is not easy of attainment, but very difficult, and a new thing. In whatsoever state I am, says he, therein to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things have I learned the ...
