1 Timothy 6

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.

Let all who are under the yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor. They should do this so that the name of God and the teaching might not be 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.

The slaves who have believing masters should not disrespect them because they are brothers. Instead, they should serve them all the more. For the masters who are helped by their work are believers and are loved. Teach and declare these things.

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;

If anyone teaches something that does not agree with the reliable instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,

4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

he is proud and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and arguments about words that result in envy, strife, insults, evil suspicions,

5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

and constant conflict between people with depraved minds. They have lost the truth and they think that godliness is a way to get more money.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out.

For we have brought nothing into the world. Neither are we able to take out anything.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Instead, let us be satisfied with food and clothing.

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.

Now those who want to become wealthy fall into temptation, into a trap. They fall into many foolish and harmful passions, and into whatever else makes people sink into ruin and destruction.

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.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people who desire it have been mislead away from the faith and have pierced themselves with much grief.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

But you, man of God, flee from these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, where unto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (aiōnios g166)

Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the everlasting life to which you were called, and about which you gave the good confession before many witnesses. (aiōnios g166)

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;

I give you this command before God, who causes all things to live, and before Christ Jesus, who spoke what is true to Pontius Pilate:

14 That thou keep [this] commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Keep the commandment without spot or blame until the appearance 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;

God will reveal Christ's appearing at the right time—God, the blessed and only Sovereign, the King who reigns and the Lord who rules.

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. (aiōnios g166)

Only he has immortality and dwells in inapproachable light. No man sees him or is able to view him. To him be honor and eternal power. Amen. (aiōnios g166)

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; (aiōn g165)

Tell the rich in this world not to be proud, and not to hope in riches, which are uncertain. Instead, they should hope in God. He offers to us all the true riches to enjoy. (aiōn g165)

18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, and willing to share.

19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

In that way, they will store up for themselves a good foundation for what is to come, so that they will take hold of real life.

20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane [and] vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

Timothy, protect what was given to you. Avoid the foolish talk and conflicting ideas of what is falsely called knowledge.

21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace [be] with thee. Amen.

Some men proclaim these things and so they have missed the faith. May grace be with you.