1Let as many slaves as are under the yoke of servitude esteem their own masters worthy of all respect, so that the name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed. 2Do not let those who have believing masters despise them because they are brethren; rather, let them serve them even better, because they are believing and beloved who are being helped by the good service. These things teach and exhort.

3If anyone teaches any different doctrine, and does not adhere to sound words, even those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine that is according to godliness, 4He is proud and knows nothing. Rather, he has a morbid attraction to questions and disputes over words, from which come envy, arguments, blasphemy, wicked suspicions, 5Vain reasonings of men who have been corrupted in their minds and are destitute of the truth--men who believe that gain is godliness. From such withdraw yourself.

6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and it is evident that neither do we have the power to carry anything out of the world. 8But having food and clothing, we should be satisfied with these, 9For those who desire to become rich fall into temptation and a snare, and many foolish and hurtful lusts, which cause men to sink into destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is a root of all evils; by which some, while striving after riches, were seduced from the faith, and have impaled themselves with many sorrows.

11But you, O man of God, flee these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and meekness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith! Take hold of eternal life to which you were also called, and did profess a good profession in the presence of many witnesses. 13I charge you in the sight of God, Who gives life to every living thing, and Jesus Christ, Who in testifying before Pontius Pilate gave the exemplary profession of faith, 14That you keep this commandment without fault and without rebuke until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; 15Which in His own times the blessed and only Sovereign will make known, the King of kings and Lord of lords; 16Who alone has immortality, dwelling in light which no man can approach; Whom no man has seen, nor has the ability to see; to Whom belong eternal honor and power. Amen.

17Charge those who are rich in this present age not to be high minded, nor to put their hope in the uncertainty of riches; but to put their hope in the living God, Who abundantly gives us all things for our enjoyment; 18To do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous in giving, to be ready to share; 19Treasuring up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may lay hold on eternal life.

20O Timothy, guard the doctrine which has been entrusted to you, avoiding profane, empty babblings, and contradictions of false knowledge that is called science; 21Through which some, who are personally professing these false views, have missed the mark concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.