6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:6-12 KJV)
Error and Greed
From the mention of those who misuse religion for worldly gain, the apostle takes occasion to show the excellence of contentment and the evil of covetousness.
The excellence of contentment is taught in 1 Timothy 6:6-8. Some think Christianity is a way to earthly profit, but this is false. Yet in a higher sense, it is true that those who pursue godliness as their calling will find it truly profitable, for it “has promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Godliness with contentment is great gain. Some render it “godliness with a competency,” meaning that if one has only a little but enough to live on, his godliness with that is great wealth. “A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked” (Psalm 37:16). True godliness always produces contentment; those who learn, like Paul, to be content in any state (Philippians 4:11) are the happiest people in the world. Christian contentment, born from godly principles, is a true treasure. Whoever is godly is sure to be happy in the life to come, and if he is also content in this life, he has all he needs.
The reason for this is plain: “We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7). This teaches us to be content with little. We came into the world naked and empty-handed, and whatever we have has been provided by God’s providence. He who gave it may take it when He pleases. As long as our life and being are continued, we have more than we had at birth, when God still cared for us. Since we were provided for at the beginning of our lives, we may trust Him for the rest of our journey.
We shall also carry nothing out of this world. “As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return” (Ecclesiastes 5:15-16). A shroud, a coffin, and a grave are all the richest man can retain. Why then should we covet much, when we must leave all behind?
Therefore, “having food and clothing, we will be content with these” (1 Timothy 6:8). If God provides the necessities of life, we should be satisfied, even if we lack its luxuries. “Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me” (Proverbs 30:8). True Christians desire only what is necessary; their desires are not insatiable. They find contentment in having food and covering.
On the other hand, covetousness brings ruin. “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare” (1 Timothy 6:9). It is not the possession of riches but the desire to be rich that leads to danger. Those who set their hearts on wealth fall into many foolish and harmful lusts that drown men in destruction. When the devil sees their greed, he baits his temptations accordingly, as he did with Achan, who coveted the wedge of gold (Joshua 7:21). Such worldly desires are foolish and hurtful, and we should fear them, for they lead to eternal ruin.
“The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Money itself is not the problem, but the inordinate love of it drives men into every sin. Many have abandoned the faith because of their greed. “Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Timothy 4:10). Those who forsake God for worldly gain pierce themselves with many sorrows.
From this, Paul cautions Timothy to guard his heart and fulfill his ministry faithfully. He calls him a man of God, as prophets were called under the Old Testament, reminding him to live as one devoted to God’s service. He urges him, “Flee these things” —that is, flee covetousness and the love of money. Such pursuits do not befit a man of God.
Instead, Timothy is to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). Righteousness relates to conduct toward others; godliness, to devotion toward God. Faith and love are inward principles that sustain both. Patience is needed to endure trials and reproaches, and meekness to respond kindly to those who oppose or wrong us. It is not enough to flee evil; we must also follow what is good. Those who do so are the excellent ones of the earth, pleasing to God and respected by men.
Paul then exhorts him to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). Those who seek eternal life must fight their way through temptation, corruption, and the opposition of darkness. It is a good fight because it is a good cause and leads to a glorious victory. It is a fight of faith, for “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).
Timothy must “take hold of eternal life,” the crown set before all who fight faithfully. Eternal life is both the prize and encouragement to persevere. He must grasp it firmly and guard it, lest he lose it. “Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” (Revelation 3:11). He has been called to this warfare and has made a good confession before many witnesses. All faithful ministers are bound by their calling and their confession to fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life.