1 Timothy 6

1 As for slaves [DOU] [who are believers, teach them that they] should consider that it is right for them to honor their masters in every way. If they do that, people will not speak (against/evil about) God [MTY] and they will not speak (against/evil about) that which [we apostles] teach, [because they will see that the slaves are being respectful of their masters].

Let those who are under the yoke as slaves esteem their masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teachings be not blasphemed.

2 [Slaves] who have masters who believe [in Christ] must not be disrespectful to their masters just because their masters are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve [their masters] even better because [their masters] are fellow believers whom [God] loves and who benefit when [the slaves] serve them well. As you teach these things [to your congregation], exhort/urge [people] that they do them.

Those whose masters are Christian believers must not treat them with disrespect, because they are brothers; nay, rather slave for them the better because those who get the benefit of their services are believing and beloved. Continue to teach and preach this.

3 Some people teach things that are different. What they teach (does not agree with/is not like) the correct teaching that our Lord Jesus Christ [taught] (OR, that is about our Lord Jesus Christ). They do not say that we should conduct our lives (in a [godly manner/] a [manner that pleases God]).

If any one teaches heterodoxy, and refuses to consent to the wholesome words of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to the teachings of religion,

4 Such people are very proud and do not understand anything [HYP]. Instead, they abnormally/wrongly desire to [argue about unimportant] matters and about certain words. As a result, [people who listen to them] (envy [others/] to have what others have). They quarrel [with others and with one another]. They say bad things about [others. They] suspect/think that [others] have evil ([motives/reasons for doing what they do]).

he is puffed up with conceit and knows nothing, but is doting about disputations and a strife of words. These give rise to envy, quarrels, railings, evil suspicions,

5 Their whole way of thinking has become completely wrong [because] they have rejected the true [doctrine/teaching]. As a result, they [mistakenly] think that (by practicing religion/by saying that they believe in God) they will gain a lot of [money].

and wrangling between men whose minds are corrupt and destitute of the truth; who suppose that godliness is a source of gain.

6 [Well, we] truly do gain great [benefit] when we conduct our lives (in a [godly manner/] a [manner that pleases God]) and we are content [with what we have].

Now godliness with contentment is truly gainful;

7 We brought nothing into the world [when we were born], and we cannot take anything out [of it when we die],

for we have brought nothing into the world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out!

8 so if we have food and clothing, we should be satisfied with these.

So if we have food and shelter, let us be content with that.

9 But some people strongly desire to be rich. As a result, they [do wrong things to get money, and this will cause them to] be caught/trapped [MET] as animals get caught in traps. They foolishly desire many things, and those desires cause them to get hurt. And God will completely reject [them]!

Those who desire to be rich fall into the snares of temptation and many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 All kinds of bad things will happen to people who [PRS] desire to have a lot of money. Because some people longed for money, they have stopped believing the doctrine/teaching [that all of us believe] and they have caused themselves much grief/sadness.

For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil; and in their eager desire to be rich some have been led astray form the faith, and have pierced themselves with many sorrows.

11 But as for you, who are a man who [serves God], (keep completely away from such love of money/do not be like the people who love money). Decide that you will do what is right, and that you will (be godly/do what pleases God). Decide that you will trust [God], and that you will love [others]. Endure [difficult circumstances]. Always be gentle [with people].

But you, O servant of God, flee from these things, and run after integrity, piety, faith, love, stedfastness, gentleness.

12 Try earnestly and with all your energy/strength [MET] to live in accordance with what you believe. [Continue to do your tasks well in order that] you will know for sure that you will live eternally. Remember that [God] chose you to [live with him], and that when many elders were listening you said strongly ([what you believe/that you trust in Christ]). (aiōnios g166)

Keep contending in the noble contest of the faith; seize hold on eternal life, to which you were called when you confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (aiōnios g166)

13 God, who gives life to all things, knows everything that you do. Christ Jesus also knows everything that you do. He strongly declared what was true when [he was on trial before] Pontius Pilate.

In the presence of God who gives life to all, and of Christ Jesus who bore witness to the good confession before Pontius Pilate,

14 I command you that as you keep all that in mind, in every way you (hold fast/obey) to what Christ has commanded us [DOU]. (Hold fast/obey) to those teachings in a way that our Lord Jesus Christ cannot (criticize you about/say that what you did was wrong), until he comes again.

I charge you, keep your commission spotless and irreproachable until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15 [Remember that God] will cause Jesus to come again at the proper time. God is awesome! He is the only Ruler! He rules over all other people who rule!

For in his own good time this will be brought about by that blessed and only potentate, King of kings and Lord of lords,

16 He is the only one who will never die, [and he lives in heaven surrounded by] light [that is so bright that] no one can approach it! He is the one whom no person has ever seen and whom no person is able to see! My desire is that all people will honor him and that he [will rule] powerfully [MTY] forever! (May it be so!/Amen!) (aiōnios g166)

who alone possesses immortality, who dwells in light that none can approach, whom no man has ever seen or can see; to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. (aiōnios g166)

17 Tell [the believers] who are rich here in this present world that they should not be proud, and that they should not trust in their many [possessions], because they cannot be certain [how long they will have them]. Teach them that instead of [trusting in their wealth, they should trust] in God. He is the one who generously gives us everything we have in order that we may enjoy it. (aiōn g165)

Charge the rich of this world not to be supercilious, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in God, who provides all things richly for our use. (aiōn g165)

18 Also, tell them that their good deeds must be as plentiful [as their money]. Specifically, they should share very generously with others [what they have].

Charge them to practise benevolence, to be rich in good works, to be open-handed and generous,

19 If they do that, [Jesus will give them a great reward. It will be as though] they are piling up [in heaven] treasure for themselves that will (be a good [basis on which they may rely] for/result in their) receiving a great reward in the future (OR, which will be [as] solid [as] the foundation [MET] [of a house]). By doing this they will experience what real life is like.

laying up right good treasure for themselves in the world to come, in order that they may obtain the Life which is life indeed.

20 Timothy, faithfully proclaim/protect the true message (OR, do the work) that [Jesus] has given [to you]. (Avoid/Do not listen to) [people who want to] chatter about things that are not important to God. (Avoid/Do not listen to) [people who claim/say that they have] ‘true knowledge’ but who say things that oppose/contradict [our true teaching].

O, Timothy, guard the treasure which is committed to you. Shun the profane babblings and contradictions of the falsely called "knowledge"

21 ([Keep completely away from/Reject completely]) [such teaching. Remember that] some people who claim [to have this ‘knowledge’] have stopped believing what [all of us] believe. ([I desire that/May]) [God continue to act] kindly toward you all.

which some professing have erred from the faith. Grace be with you.