1 Let as many as are bondmen under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of :God and the teaching be not blasphemed. 2 And who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve rather, because they that partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. These things teach and exhort.
3 If any teacheth different, and consenteth not to sound words, those of our :Lord Jesus Christ, and to the teaching according to godliness, 4 he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but sick about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 wranglings of men corrupted in :mind and bereft of the truth, supposing :godliness is gain. 6 But :godliness with contentment is great gain: 7 for we brought nothing into the world, because neither can we carry anything out; 8 but having foods and covering we shall be therewith content. 9 But who would be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown :men unto destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all :evils; which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold of the eternal life, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in sight of many witnesses. 13 I charge thee in sight of :God, who giveth life to :all things, and of Jesus Christ, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession; 14 that thou keep the commandment, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our :Lord Jesus Christ: 15 which in his own seasons he, the blessed and only Potentate, shall show, the King of :kings, and Lord of lords; 16 who alone hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power eternal. Amen. 17 Charge the rich in the present age, not to be high-minded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the God who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 to do good, to be rich in good works, to be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 treasuring up for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the real life. 20 O Timothy, guard the deposit, turning away from the profane babblings and oppositions of the knowledge falsely so called; 21 which some professing have deviated from the faith.
:Grace be with you.
