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.
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
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.
And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
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 any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, (logos) even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to 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 proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil questionings,
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…
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw yourself.
6 But knowing and following God is so incredibly satisfying!
But 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.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 But if we have food and clothes then that's enough for us.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 Those who are determined to become rich fall into the trap of temptation, following many foolish and damaging impulses.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
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.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
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; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, (agape) patience, meekness.
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, lay hold on eternal life, unto which you are also called, and have professed a good profession before 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,
I give you charge in the sight of God, who replenishes life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
14 is to follow faithfully what you've been told so you will be above criticism until our Lord Jesus Christ appears.
That you 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 in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and 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 only has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. 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)
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things 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.
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
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.
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on 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, keep that which is committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
21 Some who promote these ideas have wandered away from their trust in God. May grace be with you.
Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.
