1All servants who are under the authority of masters should treat their masters with complete respect, so that the name of God and the teaching are not spoken against.
2Servants who have masters who are believers should not disrespect them because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better, because the masters who benefit from their service are believers and are loved by God. Teach and encourage these things.
3If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the teaching that leads to a godly life,
4that person is arrogant and knows nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in arguments, debates, and word fights. These things lead to jealousy, conflict, insults, and evil suspicions.
5They cause constant disagreements among people whose minds are corrupt and who have lost the truth. They think that being godly is a way to get rich. Stay away from such people.
6But godliness combined with contentment is a great gain.
7For we brought nothing into this world, and we can't take anything out of it either.
8So, if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
9But those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a trap. They are caught by many foolish and harmful desires that drag people down into ruin and destruction.
10For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, in their greed, have wandered away from the faith and have caused themselves much pain.
11But you, as a man of God, run away from these things. Instead, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
12Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and about which you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
13I command you in the presence of God, who gives life to everything, and in the presence of Christ Jesus, who bravely testified before Pontius Pilate,
14to obey this command without fault or blame until our Lord Jesus Christ appears.
15At the proper time, God will reveal this. He is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
16He alone is immortal and lives in unapproachable light; no one has ever seen him, nor can anyone see him. To him be honor and eternal power. Amen.
17Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant or to put their hope in uncertain riches, but rather in the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
18Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous, and to be willing to share.
19In doing so, they will be storing up a good foundation for themselves for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
20Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you. Stay away from empty, godless chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called knowledge.
21Some people have claimed to have this knowledge, and by doing so, they have strayed from the faith. May grace be with you. Amen.