1Ti 6 | BSB | STEP | All who are under [the] yoke of slavery should regard [their] masters {as} fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and [our] teaching will not be discredited.

‏ 1 Timothy 6

Instructions to Servants

1 All who are under [the] yoke of slavery should regard [their] masters {as} fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and [our] teaching will not be discredited. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve [them] all the more, since those receiving [their] good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these [principles] .

Reject False Doctrines

3 If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees [with the] sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, 4 he is conceited [and] understands nothing. Instead, [he has] an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, 5 [and] constant friction between men of depraved mind [who are] devoid of the truth. [These men] regard godliness as a means of gain. ^{▼▼BYZ and TR include Withdraw yourself from such.}

Contentment in Godliness

6 Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, [and] ^{▼▼BYZ and TR and certainly} neither can we carry anything {out of it} . 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 9 Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge [them] into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is [the] root of all kinds of evil. By craving [it] , some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Fight the Good Fight

11 But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, [and] gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called [when you made] the good confession before many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who {made} the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate: 14 Keep [this] commandment without stain [or] reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which [God] will bring about in [His] own time— [He who is] blessed and [the] only Sovereign [One] , the King of kings and Lord of lords. 16 [He] alone is immortal [and] dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen [Him] , nor can [anyone] see [Him] . To [Him be] honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

A Charge to the Rich

17 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited [and] not to put their hope in [the] uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. 18 [Instruct them] to do good, to be rich in good works, [and] to be generous [and] ready to share, 19 treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Final Guidance

20 O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted [to you] . Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,” 21 which some have professed and [thus] swerved away from the faith. Grace [be] with you all. ^{▼▼BYZ and TR include Amen.}