1Those who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent the name of God and Christian teaching from being discredited.

2But those who have believing masters must not show them less respect because they are brothers. Instead they are to serve all the more, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved. Summary of Timothy’s Duties Teach them and exhort them about these things.

3If someone spreads false teachings and does not agree with sound words (that is, those of our Lord Jesus Christ) and with the teaching that accords with godliness,

4he is conceited and understands nothing, but has an unhealthy interest in controversies and verbal disputes. This gives rise to envy, dissension, slanders, evil suspicions,

5and constant bickering by people corrupted in their minds and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a way of making a profit.

6Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit.

7For we have brought nothing into this world and so we cannot take a single thing out either.

8But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that.

9Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

10For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.

11But you, as a person dedicated to God, keep away from all that. Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.

12Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses.

13I charge you before God who gives life to all things and Christ Jesus who made his good confession before Pontius Pilate,

14to obey this command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ

15– whose appearing the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the right time.

16He alone possesses immortality and lives in unapproachable light, whom no human has ever seen or is able to see. To him be honor and eternal power! Amen.

17Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.

18Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others.

19In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life.

Conclusion

20O Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you. Avoid the profane chatter and absurdities of so-called “knowledge.”

21By professing it, some have strayed from the faith. Grace be with you all.