[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 men 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 the faith. Lay hold of the eternal life, whereunto you
were called, and confessed the good confession in the sight of many
witnesses. [13] I charge you in the sight of God, who gives life to all
things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate testified the good
confession, [14] that you keep the commandment, without spot, without
reproach, 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.
