6:1 Whoever is under the harness of slavery is to consider their owner worthy of respect, so that the reputation of God and the Teaching may not be slandered.

6:2 Now the ones with believing owners are not to treat them with any less respect; in fact, slave for them all the more since they are dear to you in the faith. Then both of you will benefit.

6:3 Teach and encourage these things. If anyone teaches otherwise, and does not come to you with the healthy sayings of our Master Jesus the Anointed according to godly instruction,

6:4 they are conceited and skilled in nothing. They are consumed with investigations and verbal wars, out of which arise envy, strife, slander, suspicion,

6:5 and malicious friction. They’ve lost their minds and are devoid of the truth, seeing devoutness as a way to make a profit.

6:6 But it is of great profit to have independent wealth together with devoutness,

6:7 because none of us brought anything into the world, and we can’t take anything out.

6:8 Yet we’ll be content to have food and clothing.

6:9 Now those who are determined to get rich are wandering into a trial and a trap and into many unwise and harmful cravings, which are sinking some people into ruin and devastation.

6:10 For being stingy is a root of all sorts of worthless things. This aspiration has lured some of them away from the faith, basically roasting themselves on a spit with a lot of grief.

6:11 But since you belong to God, run away from these things and toward justice, devoutness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

6:12 Fight for the best in the contest of faith, and seize the eternal life into which you were called, along with the good agreement you made in front of many witnesses.

6:13 I am directing you in the sight of God, the one sustaining all life, and of Anointed Jesus who testified to the same good agreement before Pontius Pilate,

6:14 to guard this injunction. Remain unblemished and blameless until the sudden return of our Master Jesus the Anointed,

6:15 who will appear at the right time. He is the only Power, the King of kings and Master of masters,

6:16 the only immortal one living in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or is able to see. To him belong absolute honor and mighty rule!

6:17 As for those who are rich in this age, direct them to not be elitist. They are to stop trusting in uncertain riches (instead of God, the one richly supplying everything to us for our enjoyment),

6:18 to be good, to be rich in good deeds, to share generously.

6:19 Then they will be storing up for themselves the best foundation for what is to come, acquiring real life.

6:20 Timothy, protect the deposit entrusted to you. Turn aside from those profane and empty words, and the opposition from what is falsely called “knowledge,”

6:21 which some have professed so authoritatively. They have missed the mark concerning the faith.May you all enjoy God’s favor.