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

Final Charge to Timothy

¹¹ But you, man of God,^(J) flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness,^(K) faith, love,^(L) endurance and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight^(M) of the faith. Take hold of^(N) the eternal life^(O) to which you were called when you made your good confession^(P) in the presence of many witnesses.

⁷ or because of these surpassingly great revelations.^(A) Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh,^(B) a messenger of Satan,^(C) to torment me. ⁸ Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.^{(D) 9} But he said to me, “My grace^(E) is sufficient for you, for my power^(F) is made perfect in weakness.^(G)”^(H) Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight^(I) in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,^(J) in persecutions,^(K) in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.^(L)

¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content^(A) whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,^(B) whether living in plenty or in want.^{(C) 13} I can do all this through him who gives me strength.^(D)

⁴ Marriage should be honored by all,^(A) and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.^{(B) 5} Keep your lives free from the love of money^(C) and be content with what you have,^(D) because God has said,

⁶ So we say with confidence,