1 Timothy 6
1 All who are bound under slavery should consider their masters worthy of respect, so that God's name and Christian beliefs won't be defamed.
As many as are under the yoke of slavery should consider their own owners to be worthy of full respect, so that God's name and doctrine not be slandered.
2 Slaves who have Christian masters should not disrespect them because they are brothers. Instead they should serve them even better, because those who are benefiting from their service are fellow-believers they should love. Teach these instructions, and encourage people to follow them.
Those who have owners who are believers must not disregard them because they are brothers; instead they must serve them even better, because those receiving the good service are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
3 Those that teach different beliefs, and don't listen to good counsel, particularly the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the true teachings of God,
If anyone teaches differently and does not consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine that accords with godliness,
4 are arrogant and don't understand anything. They're obsessed with speculation and philosophical debates which only lead to jealousy, arguments, malicious gossip and evil suspicions—
he is conceited and understands nothing. Rather he is obsessed with controversies and hair-splitting word battles, from which come envy, strife, slanderings, evil suspicions,
5 the constant arguing of people whose minds are totally corrupt and who have lost the truth, thinking that they can profit financially from religion…
constant wranglings of men with corrupted minds and destitute of the Truth, who suppose that godliness is a means to financial gain. Keep away from such people.
6 But knowing and following God is so incredibly satisfying!
Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we didn't bring anything into the world, and we can't take anything out with us either.
We brought nothing into the world and it is certain that neither can we take anything out.
8 But if we have food and clothes then that's enough for us.
So having food and clothing we will be content with that.
9 Those who are determined to become rich fall into the trap of temptation, following many foolish and damaging impulses.
But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and harmful desires, that plunge people into ruin and loss;
10 For the desire to be rich leads to many kinds of evil results. Some of those who longed for this have turned away from the truth, and have hurt themselves, experiencing a lot of pain.
because the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil; in their greediness some have been led away from the faith and have impaled themselves on many distresses.
11 But you as a man of God should run away from such things. You should seek to do what is right, practice true religion, and trust in God. Aim to love, to be patient, and gentle.
But you, O man of God, flee these things; rather pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.
12 Fight the good fight as you trust in God. Hold on tightly to the eternal life to which you were called. This is what you promised to do in front of many witnesses. (aiōnios g166)
Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life into which you were called—indeed, you confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (aiōnios g166)
13 My charge to you before God the Life-giver, and before Christ Jesus who testified to the good news before Pontius Pilate,
In the presence of the God who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, I charge you
14 is to follow faithfully what you've been told so you will be above criticism until our Lord Jesus Christ appears.
to keep this commandment without spot, blameless until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 At the right time Jesus will be revealed—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.
which He will manifest at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and the Lord of lords;
16 He is the only one who is immortal, and lives in unapproachable light. No one has seen him or can see him—honor and eternal power is his! Amen. (aiōnios g166)
who alone has immortality, residing in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen or can see; to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen. (aiōnios g166)
17 Warn those who are rich in the present world not to become proud. Tell them not to place their trust in wealth that is so insecure but in God who so freely gives us everything for our enjoyment. (aiōn g165)
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be haughty, nor to rely upon the uncertainty of riches but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; (aiōn g165)
18 Tell them to do good, and to become rich in doing good things, ready to share what they have, and to be generous.
they are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous sharers
19 In this way they store up treasure that will provide a solid basis for the future, so that they can take hold of true life.
—storing up for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, so that they may lay hold on the eternal life.
20 Timothy, take care of what's been given to you. Don't pay any attention to pointless chatter and arguments based on so-called “knowledge.”
O Timothy, guard the deposit! Turn away from the godless, empty chatter and inconsistencies of what is falsely called ‘science’
21 Some who promote these ideas have wandered away from their trust in God. May grace be with you.
—by professing it some have erred concerning the Faith. The Grace be with you. Amen.
