Godliness Over Gold: Lessons from 1 Timothy 6:3-11

by A Mac November 5, 2024

In the Apostle Paul's first letter to Timothy, a young church leader, he provides profound insights into the dangers of false teachings and the pursuit of material wealth. This passage, 1 Timothy 6:3-11, serves as a timeless reminder of the values that should guide a Christian's life.

False Teachings and Their Consequences

Paul begins by warning against those who teach doctrines contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ. He describes these individuals as conceited and lacking understanding, driven by an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes over words. Such behavior leads to envy, strife, malicious talk, and constant friction among people who have been robbed of the truth. These false teachers view godliness as a means to financial gain, a perspective that Paul strongly condemns.

The True Gain of Godliness with Contentment

In contrast to the false teachers' view, Paul emphasizes that true godliness, when combined with contentment, is of great gain. This statement highlights the spiritual wealth that comes from living a life aligned with God's will and being satisfied with what one has. Paul reminds Timothy that we brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out of it, urging contentment with basic necessities like food and clothing.

The Dangers of Desiring Wealth

Paul warns that the desire to be rich can lead individuals into temptation and harmful desires, ultimately resulting in ruin and destruction. He famously states that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, noting that some, in their eagerness for wealth, have wandered from the faith and inflicted upon themselves many griefs. This cautionary message underscores the spiritual perils associated with prioritizing material wealth over spiritual well-being.

Pursuing Righteousness and Spiritual Virtues

In his closing advice to Timothy, Paul urges him to flee from the love of money and instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. These virtues represent the true treasures that believers should seek, offering a path to spiritual fulfillment and eternal reward.

1 Timothy 6:3-11 offers a powerful message about the importance of prioritizing spiritual values over material wealth. By warning against false teachings and the dangers of greed, Paul provides timeless guidance for living a life of true godliness and contentment. In a world often driven by the pursuit of wealth, this passage serves as a reminder of the enduring value of spiritual virtues.

False Teachings and the Love of Money: A Timeless Warning

Chapter 6 begins with a description of true godliness. He warns Timothy about those who “think that godliness is a means to financial gain” (verse 5). He describes corrupt teachers who will divert believers from true faith in Christ by arguing over words, creating trivial controversies, and pursuing get-rich schemes. Paul clarifies the meaning of godliness and emphasizes that it is the opposite of what these trouble-makers portray it to be.

The heretical teaching that infiltrated the church in Timothy’s Day is still prevalent in modern Christianity. We commonly hear of preachers and Christian figureheads using their positions of influence to amass unimaginable wealth so that they can live opulent lifestyles. They then teach that their success is the norm and a worthy goal that every believer in Christ should seek. They take God’s promises of blessing (Deuteronomy 28:2; Psalm 21:6; 128:2) and create a religion out of them. In some instances, Jesus is portrayed as a means to achieve all our hopes and dreams. Yet this is the very mindset we are warned against in 1 Timothy 6:9–10: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. . .. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Rather than consider amassing wealth as great gain, Paul states that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” Christ-followers should focus their effort on pursuing holiness in conduct, attitude, and thought. They should choose to be content in whatever circumstances God has given them, just as Paul himself had done while in prison (Philippians 4:11–12). We are told to “flee from all this [eagerness to get rich], and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). Contrary to what many popular health-and-wealth proponents would have us believe, the Bible warns us against pursuing riches (Proverbs 23:4; Matthew 6:19). It is impossible to be content when our hearts are set on gaining more. We will not remain godly for long if we are not content with what God has given us. A desire for godliness is quickly eroded by a greedy, covetous spirit.

The Bible never says that it is a sin to be rich. There are examples in Scripture of God blessing His servants with tremendous material wealth (Genesis 39:2; 1 Samuel 18:14; 2 Chronicles 1:11–12). But 1 Timothy 6:17 instructs the wealthy this way: “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.” The difference is in the heart. Both greed and contentment are states of the heart. When we choose to be content with the riches of Christ (Colossians 1:27; Ephesians 3:8) rather than pursue material riches, our lives will be more in line with God’s desire for us, because “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Each Verse and its Meaning- 1 Timothy 6:3-11

1 Timothy 6:3

“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching”

What does 1 Timothy 6:3 mean?

The last words of verse 2 are a command for Timothy to stand strong in his teaching of certain things. In general, this refers to the instructions given in chapter 5, as well as the remaining words of this letter, found in the remainder of chapter 6.

Paul again shows his passionate concern for sound doctrine. His zeal for accurate biblical teaching indicates the priority this area should rate in today's churches, as well. False information is anything which contradicts the message of Jesus Christ. In this context, "sound words" means "healthy words," in contrast with the unhealthy teachings of false, non-Christian doctrines.

The words of Jesus are also connected with doctrines associated with godly, proper behavior. Paul's meaning here includes both God's written Word and teachings consistent with it. False teaching or different doctrine misrepresents God in both of these areas. The other place where Paul mentions the phrase "different doctrine" is found in 1 Timothy 1:3. Just after his introduction, he commanded Timothy "remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine." This was perhaps the primary reason Timothy was left in the city. He knew the gospel, Paul's teachings, and the Old Testament well; this made him well qualified to keep others from promoting false teachings in the church.

1 Timothy 6:4

“they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions”

What does 1 Timothy 6:4 mean?

This begins a list of nine descriptions regarding false teachers, found in verses 4 through 5. Paul's point here is not that a person is only a false teacher when they display some (or all) of these traits. Rather, these are traits common to those who promote messages contrary to the gospel. Seven are included in this verse.

First, the false teacher suffers from arrogance. Pride is at the root of those who continue in false teaching. Rather than following all of God's Word to the proper conclusion, such people place themselves above the Scriptures.

Second, the false teacher is marked by being unteachable. They are so convinced of their own position they cannot understand the truth. This is a natural companion to the next flaw, since those who resist correction often go to great lengths to defend their errors.

Third, false teachers often drift towards bickering, arguments, and debates over non-essential issues. The false teacher enjoys arguing about the words of Scripture, for the sake of the words themselves, not for the sake of the truth. This is a similar issue to what Paul describes in Colossians 2:8. It also echoes the sentiment of Titus 3:9–11. Interestingly, this trend towards squabbling is said to produce the rest of the flaws Paul will mention.

Fourth, a false teacher is marked by envy. He or she desires what others have. Money and material issues will be mentioned explicitly later. So, this is most likely a reference to envy of others' spiritual respect, reputation, or image. The false teacher wants to be treated as a guru, or a sage, and envies others who are treated as spiritual teachers.

Fifth, a false teacher is filled with dissension. Dissension includes disagreement or controversy. This seems to be a broader issue than the arguments mentioned so far. An inability to "live and let live" is often a hallmark of the false teacher. Such persons often treat very poorly those who cannot agree with them on every point.

Sixth, a false teacher is a person who slanders others. This includes spreading misleading, dishonest, unfair, or blatantly false information. There are more ways to create division among Christian believers than just open arguments. Slander, whether literally verbal or simply through our actions, is that kind of dividing force. The false teacher is especially quick to speak about the problems of others while being sinful themselves (Matthew 7:1–5).

Seventh, a false teacher has evil suspicions about others. The type of suspicions are not specified here, but could include accusations or the attitude of someone consumed with conspiracy theories and thinks everyone else is out to get them. This makes sense in the context of a person who is totally unwilling to consider their own flaws. A person convinced their position cannot possibly be wrong may well assume all who oppose them do so as a personal vendetta. This, again, leads to the false teacher participating in further slander, bickering, and dissent.

1 Timothy 6:5

“and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”

What does 1 Timothy 6:5 mean?

Verses 4 and 5 give nine traits which are hallmarks of a false teacher. The first seven were found in the prior verse: arrogance, hard-headedness, bickering, envy, discord, slander, and suspicion. The final two flaws are found in this verse.

One of these final traits is described using a unique Greek word: diaparatribai. This is variously translated as "friction," "constant disputing," or even "perverse disputing's." The related English word diatribe describes a harsh, bitter verbal attack on someone or something else. This is the exact opposite of the encouragement described in Hebrews 10:25. False teachers are wrong in the way they think, the conclusions they make about the truth, and the way they interact with others who might not agree.

The final character flaw associated with false teachers is their view of spirituality as a tool for material success. False teachers seek to make a profit—for the sake of profit—from their leadership role. Paul has just made it clear that those who primarily serve the church, as teachers and leaders, should be paid for this (1 Timothy 5:17–18). This allows them to focus more attention on the needs of the church family. However, this applies to those who serve in humility, sincerity, and with a mind to honor God.

In contrast, the false teacher sees spirituality as a business venture, or a money-making tool. This could include housing at the homes of Christians, eating food from those who hosted them, and money donated to them from Christians. Other New Testament authors noted the same thing, such as John: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works" (2 John 1:10–11). Enabling the work of false teachers by supporting them is, in and of itself, a bad choice.

1 Timothy 6:6

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

What does 1 Timothy 6:6 mean?

Prior verses described the flaws common in false teachers. These include aspects such as bickering, greed, and hard-headedness. Envy was also mentioned; the false teacher is often seeking to gain what others have.

Verses 6 through 10 are a brief explanation of a proper Christian view of wealth. In contrast with the sinful lives and desire for profit by false teachers, "godliness with contentment is great gain." Godliness is a theme throughout 1 Timothy, used nine times in this short letter.

Contentment is a theme Paul also develops elsewhere. For example, Philippians 4:11 shares, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." He could live with little or plenty because he knew God could supply his needs. But how is godliness with contentment great gain? The idea is literally that of a large or wonderful gain or advantage. Those who live in a way which honors God, and who are satisfied with whatever they have, possess a strong spiritual life. This can help them through any of life's difficulties.

This teaching echoes Old Testament verses such as Proverbs 15:16 and Psalm 37:16.

1 Timothy 6:7

“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”

What does 1 Timothy 6:7 mean?

This verse again connects with Old Testament teachings. Job 1:21 records Job's words, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." In talking of a rich owner, Ecclesiastes 5:15 says, "As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand."

The idea of bringing nothing into the world was self-evident for Timothy. A greater contrast to false religious ideas is the claim that none of our material wealth can be taken with us into the afterlife. Accumulating wealth and material goods, especially for the sake of the goods themselves, is pointless. All of those things will be left behind when we die. The Bible emphasizes the transitory nature of money and physical possessions (Matthew 6:19). Believers are to be content regardless of economic level or increase or decrease in worldly belongings. This does not mean we should view wealth as evil, or avoid prosperity. However, our true joy comes from knowing God and not through an obsession with wealth or success.

1 Timothy 6:8

“But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”

What does 1 Timothy 6:8 mean?

Here Paul continues his teaching on contentment. This verse speaks of the most basic, necessary aspects of survival. These essentials were provided to highlight the contrast between essentials and wealth. Or, in a more common modern phrasing, the difference between "needs" and "wants." In this case, especially, Paul speaks from a position of personal experience. In fact, this ability to endure a lack of "wants," and even a scarcity of "needs," is the kind of trial for which Paul declares the Christian uniquely empowered (Philippians 4:10–13).

The next verse highlights the danger of being overly obsessed with obtaining desires, as opposed to simply meeting our needs. Those who desire wealth or love money fall in to temptation. As believers, our goal should be to focus on having daily essentials and living for God, not wealth and luxury. Jesus personally modeled this kind of simplicity in His years of ministry with His disciples. Rather than seeking power and fortune for His teachings, He depended on the financial support of others, even living without a home at times (Matthew 8:20).

This perspective cannot be separated from the teaching of verse 7. Nothing we "own" in this life is ours forever. We begin and end life with no material possessions. God neither owes nor promises us worldly success. Even as we give our best efforts to grow what God has entrusted to us; we need to be satisfied with what we have.

1 Timothy 6:9

“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”

What does 1 Timothy 6:9 mean?

This verse describes three things that happen to those whose desire is wealth. First, although every person is tempted in some way, those who desire wealth "fall" to temptation. The urge to "get rich," or to seek material prosperity at all costs, leads to disaster. In contrast, believers are to resist temptation and live for Christ.

Second, those who desire to be rich fall "into a snare." The Greek word Paul uses here is pagida: an animal trap, usually set with a rope or net, used to capture an animal lured in by bait. In a similar way, those who desired riches followed temptation until it led to doom. This is another hallmark of Christian teaching on sin and morality: Satan will often use temptations to "lure" us away from what we should be doing, in order to trap us in the consequences of our own sin (Psalm 119:110; 2 Timothy 2:26).

The third point is closely related to the second. Longing for riches amplifies the strength of other temptations. Though not explicitly listed here, some of these could include the urge to cheat, steal, or lie in order to increase one's income. History is filled with examples of people who used dishonesty, crime, or deception in an effort to become rich. This also repeats a character flaw Paul associated with false teachers (1 Timothy 6:4–6).

These temptations "plunge people into ruin and destruction." Desiring wealth can both ruin a person's life and, in some cases, lead to a premature death. Greed can lead to the destruction of one's personal relationships, physical health, and spiritual health. And, it can lead to more immediate, serious consequences. These include involvement in crime, pains and suffering for our friends and family, and even the revenge of other greedy people.

1 Timothy 6:10

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

What does 1 Timothy 6:10 mean?

The opening phrase of this verse is at once famous and obscure. It is famous for being the inspiration for the common adage "money is the root of all evil." It's obscure in the sense that—in reality—the verse says no such thing. Rather, what is being decried is the love of money. Wealth and success are as good or bad as what one does with them. Greed, and obsession with money, forms the basis of many kinds of sin, as verse 9 described in detail.

The Greek word for "all" used here is pantōn. This can literally mean "all" in the sense of "every single one," but it also is used in a more non-literal way. For example, the same root word is used in Matthew 3:5 to say that "all Judea" went to be baptized. It is also used in Colossians 1:6 when saying that the "whole world" was seeing the gospel bearing fruit. Here, as in Matthew and Colossians, the meaning seems to be more "every kind of," not literally "absolutely every single one."

In other words, the point is not that all sin is always the result of material greed. Rather, it is that a love of money can lead a person to virtually any other sin. Greed can enhance, inspire, and amplify the temptation of any other sin, and lead us to disaster. This is why Paul continues by saying that believers tempted by a love of money can leave a close walk with God. They are prone to exchange holiness for a focus on building wealth for personal gain. Paul notes that those who had already done so had "pierced themselves with many pangs." The word picture used here is one of self–inflicted wounds.

1 Timothy 6:11

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.”

What does 1 Timothy 6:11 mean?

Prior verses focused on those who teach false doctrines or are consumed with greed. Here, Paul transitions into this letter's final commands towards Timothy. Paul's words are very personal and very direct. The phrase "man of God" was also used of Moses (Deuteronomy 33:1), Samuel (1 Samuel 9:6), and other prophets in the Old Testament (1 Kings 12:22). However, in the New Testament, only Timothy is referred to as a man of God. That's high praise, indeed! In addition to this verse, Paul uses the phrase regarding Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:17. The concept applies to all people who seek to follow God's will, but the phrase itself seems to be used by Paul with special significance to Timothy.

Timothy is not told to merely avoid the love of money and the actions of the false teachers, as explained in 1 Timothy 6:3–10. Rather, He is told to "flee" from them. A very literal application of this advice was used by Joseph, who literally ran away from a married woman who was attempting to seduce him (Genesis 39:7–12). Like Joseph, Timothy is to use whatever means necessary to avoid these pitfalls.

In contrast to the character flaws of false teachers, Paul commends six positive traits which Timothy is meant to pursue: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness (meaning endurance), and gentleness. Many of these traits resemble those characteristics of all believers as the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23.

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