King James Bible
"I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."
Paul claims experiential knowledge of living in both extremes—humiliation and prosperity. Writing from prison, he speaks as one who has experienced the full spectrum of circumstances, from his privileged Pharisaic background to his current chains. The Greek term for 'instructed' suggests initiation into sacred mysteries, implying Paul has learned contentment as a divine secret. This education came through varied experiences across his missionary journeys, making his wisdom universally applicable. Paul reinforces his point with concrete examples of physical provision—having plenty versus going without food or resources. These parallel contrasts emphasize that his contentment transcends material circumstances, whether in feast or famine.