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 all who are under the yoke of slavery hold their own masters to be deserving of honour, so that the name of God and the Christian teaching may not be spoken against.
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 those who have believing masters should not be wanting in respect towards them because they are their brethren, but should serve them all the more willingly because those who profit by the faithful service rendered are believers and are friends.
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,
So teach and exhort. If any one is a teacher of any other kind of doctrine, and refuses assent to wholesome instructions--those of our Lord Jesus Christ--and the teaching that harmonizes with true 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 puffed up with pride and has no true knowledge, but is crazy over discussions and controversies about words which give rise to envy, quarrelling, revilings, ill-natured 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…
and persistent wranglings on the part of people whose intellects are disordered and they themselves blinded to all knowledge of the truth; who imagine that godliness means gain.
6 But knowing and following God is so incredibly satisfying!
And godliness is gain, when associated with contentment;
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 the world, nor can we carry anything out of it;
8 But if we have food and clothes then that's enough for us.
and if we have food and clothing, with these we will be satisfied.
9 Those who are determined to become rich fall into the trap of temptation, following many foolish and damaging impulses.
But people who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many unwise and pernicious ways which sink mankind in destruction and ruin.
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 from love of money all sorts of evils arise; and some have so hankered after money as to be led astray from the faith and be pierced through with countless 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, must flee from these things; and strive for uprightness, godliness, good faith, love, fortitude, and a forgiving temper.
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)
Exert all your strength in the honourable struggle for the faith; lay hold of the Life of the Ages, to which you were called, when you made your noble profession of faith 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 charge you--as in the presence of God who gives life to all creatures, and of Christ Jesus who at the bar of Pontius Pilate made a noble profession of faith--
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 God's commandments stainlessly and without reproach till 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.
For, as its appointed time, this will be brought about by the blessed and only Sovereign, 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 alone possesses immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, and whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be eternal honour and 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)
Impress on those who are rich in the present age that they must not be haughty nor set their hopes on riches--that unstable foundation--but on God who provides us richly with all things for our enjoyment. (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 must be beneficent, rich in noble deeds, open-handed and liberal;
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 that which shall be a solid foundation for the future, that they may lay hold of the Life which is life indeed.
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 truths entrusted to you, shunning irreligious and frivolous talk, and controversy with what is falsely called 'knowledge';
21 Some who promote these ideas have wandered away from their trust in God. May grace be with you.
of which some have spoken boastfully in connexion with the true faith, and have erred. Grace be with you all.
