Paul says godliness with contentment is great gain, and the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. He urges Timothy to flee such things, fight the good fight of faith and command the rich to be generous.
1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour , that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed .
2 And they that have believing masters , let them not despise them, because they are brethren ; but rather do them service , because they are faithful and beloved , partakers of the benefit . These things teach and exhort .
3 If any man teach otherwise , and consent not to wholesome words , even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ , and to the doctrine which is according to godliness ;
4 He is proud , knowing nothing , but doting about questions and strifes of words , whereof cometh envy , strife , railings , evil surmisings ,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds , and destitute of the truth , supposing that gain is godliness : from such withdraw thyself .
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain .
7 For we brought nothing into this world , and it is certain we can carry nothing out .
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content .
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare , and into many foolish and hurtful lusts , which drown men in destruction and perdition .
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil : which while some coveted after , they have erred from the faith , and pierced themselves through with many sorrows .
11 But thou , O man of God , flee these things ; and follow after righteousness , godliness , faith , love , patience , meekness .
12 Fight the good fight of faith , lay hold on eternal life , whereunto thou art also called , and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses .
13 I give thee charge in the sight of God , who quickeneth all things , and before Christ Jesus , who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession ;
14 That thou keep this commandment without spot , unrebukeable , until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ :
15 Which in his times he shall shew , who is the blessed and only Potentate , the King of kings , and Lord of lords ;
16 Who only hath immortality , dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto ; whom no man hath seen , nor can see : to whom be honour and power everlasting . Amen .
17 Charge them that are rich in this world , that they be not highminded , nor trust in uncertain riches , but in the living God , who giveth us richly all things to enjoy ;
18 That they do good , that they be rich in good works , ready to distribute , willing to communicate ;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come , that they may lay hold on eternal life .
20 O Timothy , keep that which is committed to thy trust , avoiding profane and vain babblings , and oppositions of science falsely so called :
21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith . Grace be with thee . Amen . The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea , which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana .