1 Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own
masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be
blasphemed. 2 Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them,
because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who
partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these
things.
3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn’t consent to sound
words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is
according to godliness, 4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed
with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife,
reviling, evil suspicions, 5 constant friction of people of corrupt minds
and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
Withdraw yourself from such.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought
nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. 8 But
having food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 But those who
are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish
and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. 10 For the
love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from
the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many
sorrows.
11 But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight
of faith. Lay hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you
confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. 13 I charge
you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who
before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession, 14 that you keep the
commandment without spot, blameless, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus
Christ; 15 which in its own times he will show, who is the blessed and
only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 who alone has
immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen, nor can
see: to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen.
17 Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be
haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the
living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; 18 that they
do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be 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 of eternal
life.
20 Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the
empty chatter and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;
21 which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with
you. Amen.
World English Bible - Public Domain |
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