1All who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters Or owners to be worthy of all respect, so that God’s name Jn 10:25; Ac 15:14; Rv 14:1 and His teaching will not be blasphemed.

2Those who have believing masters should not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers, but should serve them better, since those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved. 2Th 2:12; 1Jn 4:16

3If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Rv 11:8 Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, 2Pt 1:3

4he is conceited, understanding nothing, but has a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words. 2Tm 2:14,23; Ti 3:9 From these come envy, Ps 37:1 quarreling, Ti 3:9 slander, Rv 13:6 evil suspicions,

5and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness Referring to religion as a means of financial gain is a way to material gain. Other mss add From such people withdraw yourself. Eph 4:22; 2Tm 3:8; Ti 1:11,15

6But godliness with contentment is a great gain. Ps 37:16; Pr 15:16; 16:8; Php 4:11; Heb 13:5

7For we brought nothing into the world,

8But if we have food and clothing, Or food and shelter

9But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction.

10For the love of money is a root Or is the root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith Php 1:27; 1Tm 1:2; Jd 3 and pierced themselves with many pains.

11But you, man of God, run from these things,

12Fight the good fight 2Tm 4:7; Jd 3 for the faith;

16the only One who has immortality,

17Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant 1Sm 2:3; Ec 7:8; Rm 11:20; 12:16 or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, Other mss read on the living God who richly provides us with all things Ac 17:25 to enjoy.

18Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, Mk 14:6; Gl 3:10; Jms 2:14-26; 1Pt 2:12 to be generous, willing to share, Rm 12:8,13; Eph 4:28

19storing up for themselves a good reserve Or foundation for the age to come, Mt 6:20 so that they may take hold of life that is real.

20Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, 1Tm 1:11; 2Tm 1:12,14; Ti 1:3 avoiding Heb 12:13 irreverent, empty speech and contradictions from the “knowledge” that falsely bears that name. Col 2:8; 2Tm 2:16; 4:4; Ti 1:14

21By professing it, some 2Tm 2:18 people have deviated from the faith. Php 1:27; 1Tm 1:2