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. 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 . 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 ; 4he is puffed up , knowing nothing , but doting about questionings and disputes of words , whereof cometh envy , strife , railings, evil surmisings , 5wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain . 6But godliness with contentment is great gain : 7for we brought nothing into the world , for neither can we carry anything out ; 8but having food and covering we shall be therewith content. 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. 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 .
The Charge to Timothy
11But thou , O man of God , flee these things ; and follow after righteousness , godliness , faith , love, patience , meekness . 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 . 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 ; 14that thou keep the commandment , without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ : 15which in its own times he shall show , who is the blessed and only Potentate , 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.
Instructions for the Rich
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; 18that they do good , that they be rich in good works , that they be ready to distribute , willing to communicate ; 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 . 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 ; 21which some professing have erred concerning the faith . Grace be with you .