1 Timothy Chapter 6 — Godliness and Contentment
Paul instructs Timothy on the importance of contentment over material wealth and encourages him to persevere in faith and good works.
1Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed.
2Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
3If anyone teaches a different doctrine and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,
4he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions,
5constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.*NU omits “Withdraw yourself from such.”
6But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out.
8But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.
9But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.
10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
12Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.
13I command you before God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession,
14that you keep the commandment without spot, blameless until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15which at the right time he will show, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
16He alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen nor can see, to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen.
17Charge those who are rich in this present age that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy;
18that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share;
19laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.
20Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge,
21which some profess, and thus have wandered from the faith.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
1 Timothy 6:6
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
It highlights the central theme that spiritual well-being is more valuable than material wealth.
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”
This verse is a famous warning about how greed can lead individuals away from their faith and into sorrow.
1 Timothy 6:12
“Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.”
It serves as a powerful encouragement for believers to persevere through spiritual challenges and remain committed to their calling.
Chapter Summary
In 1 Timothy 6, Paul provides instructions for bondservants and warns against teachers who promote false doctrines for personal gain. He emphasizes that godliness with contentment is true wealth, noting that we bring nothing into the world and take nothing out. Paul famously warns that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, leading many astray and causing many sorrows. He charges Timothy to flee from greed and instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Timothy is encouraged to 'fight the good fight of faith' and remain blameless until the appearing of Jesus Christ. The chapter concludes with a directive for those who are wealthy to be generous and rich in good works, while Timothy is urged to guard the spiritual knowledge entrusted to him against false teachings and empty chatter.
Frequently Asked Questions
The chapter warns that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil and that those who desire to be rich often fall into harmful temptations. It encourages people to set their hope on God rather than uncertain riches and to be generous with what they have.
Paul describes godliness with contentment as 'great gain,' suggesting that being satisfied with basic necessities while living a life devoted to God is the true path to fulfillment. He notes that since we brought nothing into the world, we should be content with food and clothing.
Paul commands Timothy to flee from greed and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, and love. He urges him to fight the good fight of faith and to keep God's commandments blamelessly until the return of Jesus Christ.
Study Note
The doxology in verses 15-16 uses titles like 'King of kings' that directly contrasted the Roman imperial cult of the first century.
Related Chapters
Matthew 6
Connects to Jesus' teachings on not worrying about material needs and storing up treasures in heaven.
Philippians 4
Contains parallel instructions on finding contentment in all circumstances through Christ.
Hebrews 13
Shares similar exhortations regarding contentment and avoiding the love of money.
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