Study Desk

All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect,^(a) so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered.^(b)

Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers.^(c) Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare^[a] of their slaves. These are the things you are to teach and insist on.^(d)

If anyone teaches otherwise^(e) and does not agree to the sound instruction^(f) of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,

they are conceited^(g) and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words^(h) that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions

and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth⁽ⁱ⁾ and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

But godliness with contentment^(j) is great gain.^(k)

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.^(l)

But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.^(m)

Those who want to get rich⁽ⁿ⁾ fall into temptation and a trap^(o) and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

For the love of money^(p) is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith^(q) and pierced themselves with many griefs.^(r)

But you, man of God,^(s) flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness,^(t) faith, love,^(u) endurance and gentleness.

Fight the good fight^(v) of the faith. Take hold of^(w) the eternal life^(x) to which you were called when you made your good confession^(y) in the presence of many witnesses.

In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate^(z) made the good confession,^(aa) I charge you^(ab)

to keep this command without spot or blame^(ac) until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,^(ad)

which God will bring about in his own time^(ae)—God, the blessed^(af) and only Ruler,^(ag) the King of kings and Lord of lords,^(ah)

who alone is immortal^(ai) and who lives in unapproachable light,^(aj) whom no one has seen or can see.^(ak) To him be honor and might forever. Amen.^(al)

Command those who are rich^(am) in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,^(an) which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God,^(ao) who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.^(ap)

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,^(aq) and to be generous and willing to share.^(ar)

In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves^(as) as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of^(at) the life that is truly life.

Timothy, guard what has been entrusted^(au) to your care. Turn away from godless chatter^(av) and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,

which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.^(aw) Grace be with you all.^(ax)