Happiness Quote by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
““Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.' What does it mean? Let me put it negatively like this. We are not to hunger and thirst after blessedness; we are not to hunger and thirst after happiness. But that is what most people are doing. We put happiness and blessedness as the one thing that we desire, and thus we always miss it; it always eludes us. According to the Scriptures happiness is never something that should be sought directly; it is always something that results from seeking something else.””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Pursuit of Righteousness, 1945
True happiness comes indirectly by seeking righteousness, not by chasing happiness directly.
In simple terms: Seek righteousness, happiness follows.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize virtue over direct happiness.
Themes
righteousness
happiness
spiritual pursuit
Mood
hopeful
thoughtful
Type
spiritual
motivational
When to use this quote
- daily prayer
- ethical decisions
- volunteering
Key Concepts
indirect fulfillment
goal orientation
Questions to Reflect On
- What virtues guide your life?
- How does seeking righteousness affect your joy?
A Different Perspective
May neglect practical well‑being in pursuit of virtue.
