1 Timothy 6:3-19
New King James Version
Error and Greed
3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to (A)wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, (B)and to the [a]doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 [b]useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. [c]From (C)such withdraw yourself.
6 Now godliness with (D)contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, [d]and it is (E)certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be (F)content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
The Good Confession
11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus (G)who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, 15 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only [e]Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in (H)unapproachable light, (I)whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.
Instructions to the Rich
17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain (J)riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things (K)to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 (L)storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 1 Timothy 6:3 teaching
- 1 Timothy 6:5 NU, M constant friction
- 1 Timothy 6:5 NU omits the rest of v. 5.
- 1 Timothy 6:7 NU omits and it is certain
- 1 Timothy 6:15 Sovereign
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.