1 Timothy 6:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

NIV: Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

NASB: Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.

CSB: Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.

NLT: Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

KJV: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

NKJV: Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

After giving praise to God in the prior two verses, Paul briefly transitions from commands specifically meant for Timothy to how Timothy should instruct wealthy Christians. Wealthy believers are to be reminded not to be overly proud, or arrogant. They should be taught not to put their trust in "the uncertainty of riches." In contrast, they were to set their focus on God, the one who provides all that we have.

Interestingly, Paul notes that God "richly provides us with everything to enjoy." His attitude towards wealth reflected Ecclesiastes 5:19: "Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God." This is the consistent message of the Bible: wealth is not bad, and can be a gift from God. However, it is to be used for God's honor rather than to make a person proud. It also comes with its own set of temptations (1 Timothy 6:9–10) and drawbacks (Matthew 19:22–23).

First Timothy 6:11–21 provides a contrast to the errors and temptations exhibited by false teachers. Paul delivers a strong, unmistakable mandate to Timothy: maintain your testimony, maintain your faith, fight for what is true and right. As a church leader, Timothy's primary weapons against false doctrine and sin are keeping himself on God's path and refusing to waver in his instruction of fellow church members. At the same time, Paul warns Timothy not to be distracted by the pseudo-intellectual debates in which some false teachers engage.

This chapter completes Paul's highly practical instructions to his friend and student, Timothy. The major focus of this passage is proper Christian conduct, and the avoidance of evil. Paul gives several character flaws common in those who teach false doctrine. He also provides a stark warning about the dangers of greed and materialism. Those who become obsessed with wealth open themselves to virtually any other sin one can imagine. Timothy is given a clear mandate to uphold his faith and testimony, along with Paul's blessings and encouragement.

The book of 1 Timothy is full of very practical advice, from Timothy's mentor, the apostle Paul. Chapter 6 rounds out the instructions given in the first five chapters. Building on the ideas laid down earlier in the letter, Paul reminds Timothy of the importance of godly living and avoiding the snares of evil and temptation. This chapter provides a strong encouragement for Timothy to apply the wisdom of this letter, both in his personal life and in the churches he is leading.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.