[1] Let all who are servants under the yoke give all honour to their
masters, so that no evil may be said against the name of God and his
teaching. [2] And let those whose masters are of the faith have respect for
them because they are brothers, working for them the more readily, because
those who take part in the good work are of the faith and are dear. Give
orders and teaching about these things. [3] If any man gives different
teaching, not in agreement with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and with the teaching which is in agreement with true religion, [4] He has
an over-high opinion of himself; being without knowledge, having only an
unhealthy love of questionings and wars of words, from which come envy,
fighting, cruel words, evil thoughts, [5] Bitter talk of men who, being
evil in mind and dead to what is true, take the faith to be a way of making
profit. [6] But true faith, with peace of mind, is of great profit: [7] For
we came into the world with nothing, and we are not able to take anything
out; [8] But if we have food and a roof over us, let that be enough. [9]
But those who have a desire for wealth are falling into danger, and are
taken as in a net by a number of foolish and damaging desires, through
which men are overtaken by death and destruction. [10] For the love of
money is a root of all evil: and some whose hearts were fixed on it have
been turned away from the faith, and been wounded with unnumbered sorrows.
[11] But you, O man of God, keep yourself from these things, and go after
righteousness, religion, faith, love, a quiet mind, gentle behaviour. [12]
Be fighting the good fight of the faith; take for yourself the life
eternal, for which you were marked out, and of which you gave witness in
the eyes of all. [13] I give you orders before God, the giver of life, and
Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate gave witness to the faith, [14] To
keep the word untouched by evil, clear from all shame, till the revelation
of our Lord Jesus Christ: [15] Which at the right time he will make clear,
who is the eternal and only Ruler, King of kings, and Lord of lords; [16]
Who only has life for ever, living in light to which no man may come near;
whom no man has seen or is able to see: to whom be honour and power for
ever. So be it. [17] Give orders to those who have money and goods in this
life, not to be lifted up in their minds, or to put their hope in the
uncertain chances of wealth, but in God who gives us in full measure all
things for our use; [18] And to do good, having wealth in good works, being
quick to give, taking part with one another; [19] Making ready for
themselves a safe place for the time to come, so that the true life may be
theirs. [20] O Timothy, take good care of that which is given to you,
turning away from the wrong and foolish talk and arguments of that
knowledge which is falsely so named; [21] Through which some, who gave
their minds to it, have been turned away from the faith. Grace be with you.
