⁶ Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment,^{(A) 7} for we brought nothing into the world, so that^[a] we can take nothing out of it, ⁸ but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. ⁹ But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.^{(B) 10} For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.

¹⁷ As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches but rather on God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.^{(A) 18} They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share,^{(B) 19} thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.