1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke, esteem their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not defamed.
2 And let not those who have believing masters, not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve them more, because they are believers, and beloved, who receive the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
3 If any one teach differently, and consent not to wholesome dictates of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 he is puffed up with pride, knowing nothing; but is doting about questions, and verbal contentions, from which come envy, strife, evil speakings, unjust suspicions,
5 perverse disputings of men wholly corrupted in mind, and destitute of the truth; who reckon gain to be godliness: from such, stand aloof.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and it is evident that we can carry out nothing.
8 Wherefore, having food and raiment, with these let us be content.
9 But they who will be rich, fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which plunge men into destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil, which some, eagerly desiring, have wholly erred from the faith, and pierced themselves all around with many sorrows.
11 Therefore, do you, O man of God! flee these things, and pursue righteousness, piety, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 Combat the good combat of faith: lay hold on eternal life; to which, also, you have been called, and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
13 I charge you, in the presence of God, who makes all alive- and of Christ Jesus, who witnessed to Pontius Pilate the good confession;
14 that you keep this commandment without spot, unblameable, till the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ;
15 which appearance, at the proper season, the blessed and only Potentate, the King of king, and Lord of lords will exhibit;
16 who only has immortality-dwelling in light inaccessible; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and might everlasting. Amen.
17 Charge the rich in the present world not to be elated in mind, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who confers on us richly all things for enjoyment-
18 to do good, to be rich in lovely works, ready to distribute, communicative,
19 providing for themselves a good foundation for hereafter, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
20 O Timothy, guard the things committed to you in trust, avoiding profane babblings, and oppositions of knowledge, falsely so named:
21 which some, professing, have erred, with respect to the faith. Favor be with you.