1All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect,1 so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.2
2Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers.1 Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfarea of their slaves.
2These are the things you are to teach and insist on.1
3If anyone teaches otherwise1 and does not agree to the sound instruction2 of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,
4they are conceited1 and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words2 that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions
5and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth1 and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
6But godliness with contentment1 is great gain.2
7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.1
8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.1
9Those who want to get rich1 fall into temptation and a trap2 and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
10For the love of money1 is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith2 and pierced themselves with many griefs.3
11But you, man of God,1 flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness,2 faith, love,3 endurance and gentleness.
12Fight the good fight1 of the faith. Take hold of2 the eternal life3 to which you were called when you made your good confession4 in the presence of many witnesses.
13In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate1 made the good confession,2 I charge you3
14to keep this command without spot or blame1 until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,2
15which God will bring about in his own time1 —God, the blessed2 and only Ruler,3 the King of kings and Lord of lords,4
16who alone is immortal1 and who lives in unapproachable light,2 whom no one has seen or can see.3 To him be honor and might forever. Amen.4
17Command those who are rich1 in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,2 which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God,3 who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.4
18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,1 and to be generous and willing to share.2
19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves1 as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of2 the life that is truly life.
20Timothy, guard what has been entrusted1 to your care. Turn away from godless chatter2 and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,
21which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.1 Grace be with you all.2