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 all who are under the yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor. They should do this so that the name of God and the teaching might not be 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.

The slaves who have believing masters should not disrespect them because they are brothers. Instead, they should serve them all the more. For the masters who are helped by their work are believers and are loved. Teach and declare these things.

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 anyone teaches something that does not agree with the reliable instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,

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 proud and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and arguments about words that result in envy, strife, insults, 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 constant conflict between people with depraved minds. They have lost the truth and they think that godliness is a way to get more money.

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 great gain.

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. Neither are we able to take out anything.

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

Instead, let us be satisfied with food and clothing.

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]!

Now those who want to become wealthy fall into temptation, into a trap. They fall into many foolish and harmful passions, and into whatever else makes people sink into ruin and destruction.

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 root of all kinds of evil. Some people who desire it have been mislead away from the faith and have pierced themselves with much grief.

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, man of God, flee from these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and 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)

Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the everlasting life to which you were called, and about which you gave the good confession before 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.

I give you this command before God, who causes all things to live, and before Christ Jesus, who spoke what is true to 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.

Keep the commandment without spot or blame until the appearance 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!

God will reveal Christ's appearing at the right time—God, the blessed and only Sovereign, the King who reigns and the Lord who rules.

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)

Only he has immortality and dwells in inapproachable light. No man sees him or is able to view him. To him be honor and eternal power. 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)

Tell the rich in this world not to be proud, and not to hope in riches, which are uncertain. Instead, they should hope in God. He offers to us all the true riches to enjoy. (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].

Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, and willing to share.

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.

In that way, they will store up for themselves a good foundation for what is to come, so that they will take hold of real life.

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].

Timothy, protect what was given to you. Avoid the foolish talk and conflicting ideas of what is 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.

Some men proclaim these things and so they have missed the faith. May grace be with you.