1 Let the servants so many as are under the yoke, esteem those who are their masters worthy of all honor, in order that the name and doctrine of God may not be blasphemed.
2 But let those that have faithful masters not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather let them serve them, because they are the faithful and beloved who are partaking of the benefaction. Command these things and exhort them.
3 If any one teaches another doctrine, and does not give heed to the sound words which belonged to our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 he has been inflated, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and controversies, from which come envy, strife, blasphemies, evil surmisings,
5 wranglings of men having been corrupted as to their mind and turned away from the truth, considering that gain is godliness.
6 Godliness with contentment is great gain,
7 for because we have brought nothing into the world, we are not able to carry any thing out;
8 however having food and raiment we shall be contented with these.
9 But those wishing to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown the people in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is a root of all evils: which some seeking after have wandered from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But you, O man of God, fly from these things; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, divine love, patience, meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, into which you have been called, and witnessed a beautiful testimony before many witnesses.
13 I charge you before God, who creates life in all things, and Jesus Christ, who witnessed a beautiful testimony before Pontius Pilate,
14 that you keep the commandment, spotless and pure, unto the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
15 which the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of the kings, and Lord of the lords, will manifest in his own due times;
16 he alone having immortality, inhabiting light unapproachable; whom no one of men has seen, or is able to see: to whom be honor and power eternal. Amen.
17 Charge the rich in this world not to think high things, nor to hope in uncertain riches, but in God, who richly supplies us all things for our enjoyment;
18 that they do good, be rich in good works, be cheerful givers, ready communicators;
19 laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed.