1 ¶ Let all that are under the yoke of slavery count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine not be blasphemed.

All you Christians who are servants must respect your owners and work hard for them. Do not let the name of God and our teaching be spoken against because of poor work.

2 A nd those that have faithful masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren, but rather serve them better, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. Teach and exhort this.

Those who have Christian owners must respect their owners because they are Christian brothers. They should work hard for them because much-loved Christian brothers are being helped by their work. Teach and preach these things. Live Like God Wants You to Live

3 I f anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,

Someone may teach something else. He may not agree with the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. He may not teach you to live God-like lives.

4 h e is puffed up, knowing nothing, but is driven mad concerning questions and controversy of words, of which comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

Such a person is full of pride and knows nothing. He wastes time on questions and argues about things that are not important. This makes those he teaches jealous and they want to fight. They talk bad and have bad ideas about others.

5 p erverse disputings of men of corrupt understanding, and destitute of the truth, using piety as a source of gain: from such withdraw thyself.

Men who are not able to use their minds in the right way because of sin argue all the time. They do not have the truth. They think religion is a way to get much for themselves.

6 ¶ But piety with contentment is great gain.

A God-like life gives us much when we are happy for what we have.

7 F or we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

We came into this world with nothing. For sure, when we die, we will take nothing with us.

8 S o that, sustenance and covering, let us be content with this.

If we have food and clothing, let us be happy.

9 F or those that desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

But men who want lots of money are tempted. They are trapped into doing all kinds of foolish things and things which hurt them. These things drag them into sin and will destroy them.

10 F or 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.

The love of money is the beginning of all kinds of sin. Some people have turned from the faith because of their love for money. They have made much pain for themselves because of this. Fight the Good Fight of Faith

11 B ut thou, O man of God, flee these things and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, charity, tolerance, meekness.

But you, man of God, turn away from all these sinful things. Work at being right with God. Live a God-like life. Have faith and love. Be willing to wait. Have a kind heart.

12 F ight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, unto which thou art also called, having made a good profession before many witnesses.

Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the life that lasts forever. You were chosen to receive it. You have spoken well about this life in front of many people.

13 ¶ I give thee charge in the sight of God, who gives life to all things and before Christ Jesus, who testified before Pontius Pilate a good profession;

I tell you this before God Who gives life to all people and before Jesus Christ Who spoke well in front of Pontius Pilate.

14 t hat thou keep the commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

You must do all our Lord Jesus Christ said so no one can speak against you. Do this until He comes again.

15 w ho in his time shall show the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

At the right time, we will be shown that God is the One Who has all power. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

16 t he only one who has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, whom no man has seen nor can see, to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

He can never die. He lives in a light so bright that no man can go near Him. No man has ever seen God or can see Him. Honor and power belong to Him forever. Let it be so. Paul’s Last Words to Timothy

17 C harge those that are rich in this world, that they not be highminded, not placing their hope in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy;

Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money. Money cannot be trusted. They should put their trust in God. He gives us all we need for our happiness.

18 b ut charge them to do good, that they be rich in good works, liberal to distribute, willing to communicate,

Tell them to do good and be rich in good works. They should give much to those in need and be ready to share.

19 l aying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the future, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Then they will be gathering together riches for themselves. These good things are what they will build on for the future. Then they will have the only true life!

20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, turn away from profane voices and vain things and arguments in the vain name of science,

Timothy, keep safe what God has trusted you with. Turn away from foolish talk. Do not argue with those who think they know so much. They know less than they think they do.

21 w hich some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

Some people have gone after much learning. It has proved to be false and they have turned away from the faith. May you have God’s loving-favor.