6 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect,^(A) so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.^{(B) 2} Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers.^(C) 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.^{(D) 3} If anyone teaches otherwise^(E) and does not agree to the sound instruction^(F) of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ⁴ they are conceited^(G) and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words^(H) 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^(I) and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

⁶ But godliness with contentment^(J) is great gain.^{(K) 7} For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.^{(L) 8} But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.^{(M) 9} Those who want to get rich^(N) fall into temptation and a trap^(O) and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money^(P) is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith^(Q) and pierced themselves with many griefs.^(R)

Final Charge to Timothy

¹¹ But you, man of God,^(S) flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness,^(T) faith, love,^(U) endurance and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight^(V) of the faith. Take hold of^(W) the eternal life^(X) to which you were called when you made your good confession^(Y) in the presence of many witnesses.