² Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers.^(A) Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare^[a] of their slaves.

False Teachers and the Love of Money

These are the things you are to teach and insist on.^{(B) 3} If anyone teaches otherwise^(C) and does not agree to the sound instruction^(D) of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ⁴ they are conceited^(E) and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words^(F) that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions ⁵ and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth^(G) and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

¹³ In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate^(A) made the good confession,^(B) I charge you^{(C) 14} to keep this command without spot or blame^(D) until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,^{(E) 15} which God will bring about in his own time^(F)—God, the blessed^(G) and only Ruler,^(H) the King of kings and Lord of lords,^{(I) 16} who alone is immortal^(J) and who lives in unapproachable light,^(K) whom no one has seen or can see.^(L) To him be honor and might forever. Amen.^(M)

¹⁷ Command those who are rich^(N) in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,^(O) which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God,^(P) who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.^{(Q) 18} Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,^(R) and to be generous and willing to share.^{(S) 19} In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves^(T) as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of^(U) the life that is truly life.