1 Timothy 6

1Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed.

1All who are under the yoke of slavery should treat their masters with full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching are not spoken of poorly.

2And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve them the rather, because they that partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. These things teach and exhort.

2Those whose masters are believers should not show them less respect because they are brothers in Christ. Instead, they should serve even better, because those who benefit from their hard work are fellow believers and are loved. You must teach and encourage people in these things.

3If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

3If anyone teaches something different and does not agree with the healthy words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that leads to godliness,

4he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

4they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and arguments about words, which result in jealousy, fighting, insults, and evil suspicions.

5wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain.

5These things cause constant friction between people who have corrupted minds and have lost the truth. They think that godliness is just a way to get rich.

6But godliness with contentment is great gain:

6But true godliness with contentment is a great way to be wealthy.

7for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out;

7After all, we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we cannot take anything out of it.

8but having food and covering we shall be therewith content.

8So if we have food and clothing, we will be satisfied with that.

9But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition.

9But people who want to be rich fall into temptation and a trap. They are overcome by many foolish and harmful desires that drag people down into ruin and destruction.

10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, in their hunger for it, have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

11But you, man of God, run away from all these things. Instead, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

12Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in front of many witnesses.

13I charge thee in the sight of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession;

13I command you in the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate:

14that thou keep the commandment, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

14keep this command without fault or failure until our Lord Jesus Christ appears.

15which in its own times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

15God will bring this about at the right time. He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

16who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power eternal. Amen.

16He alone is immortal and lives in light that no one can approach. No human has ever seen Him or can see Him. Honor and eternal power belong to Him! Amen.

17Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant. Tell them not to put their hope in uncertain wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

18that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

18Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous, and to be willing to share.

19laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed.

19In this way, they will store up for themselves a solid foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

20O Timothy, guard that which is committed unto thee, turning away from the profane babblings and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;

20Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge.

21which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you.

21By following such things, some people have wandered away from the faith. May grace be with you all. Amen.