19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder(A) unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.(B) 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove(C) before everyone, so that the others may take warning.(D) 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus(E) and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands,(F) and do not share in the sins of others.(G) Keep yourself pure.(H)

23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine(I) because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect,(J) so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.(K) Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers.(L) 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.

False Teachers and the Love of Money

These are the things you are to teach and insist on.(M) If anyone teaches otherwise(N) and does not agree to the sound instruction(O) of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited(P) and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words(Q) that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth(R) and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

But godliness with contentment(S) is great gain.(T) For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.(U) But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.(V) Those who want to get rich(W) fall into temptation and a trap(X) and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money(Y) is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith(Z) and pierced themselves with many griefs.(AA)

Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 6:2 Or and benefit from the service

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