1 Timothy 6:17

Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy;

World English Bible
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WEBBE

Charge those who are rich in this present age that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy;

BSB

Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.

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;

ASV

Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

BBE

Give orders to those who have money and goods in this life, not to be lifted up in their minds, or to put their hope in the uncertain chances of wealth, but in God who gives us in full measure all things for our use;

Original Greek

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Τοῖς Tois To the G3588 πλουσίοις plousiois rich G4145 ἐν en in G1722 τῷ tō the G3588 νῦν nun present G3568 αἰῶνι aiōni age G165 παράγγελλε parangelle do instruct [them] G3853 μὴ mē not G3361 ὑψηλοφρονεῖν hupsēlophronein to be high-minded G5309 μηδὲ mēde nor G3366 ἠλπικέναι ēlpikenai to have hope G1679 ἐπὶ epi in G1909 πλούτου ploutou of riches G4149 ἀδηλότητι adēlotēti [the] uncertainty G83 ἀλλ all᾽ but G235 ἐπὶ epi on G1909 τῷ tō (the) G3588 θεῷ theō God G2316 τῷ tō who G3588 ζῶντι zōnti is living G2198 τῷ tō who G3588 παρέχοντι parechonti is providing G3930 ἡμῖν hēmin us G3165 πάντα panta all things G3956 πλουσίως plousiōs richly G4146 εἰς eis for G1519 ἀπόλαυσιν apolausin enjoyment G619

The early church

"Charge them that are rich in this world that they be not high-minded." He has well said, "rich in this world." For there are others rich in the future world. And this advice he gives, knowing that nothing so generally produces pride and arrogance as wealth. To abate this, therefore, he immediately adds, "Nor trust in uncertain riches"; since that was the source of pride; inasmuch as he who hopes in God, is not elated. Why dost thou place thy hopes upon what is instantly transferable? For such is wealth! and why hopest thou on that of which thou canst not be confident? But you say, how can they avoid being high-minded? By considering the instability and uncertainty of riches, and that hope in God is infinitely more valuable; God being the Author of wealth itself. "But in the living God," he says, "who giveth us richly all things to enjoy." This "all things richly" is justly spoken, in reference to the changes of the year, to air, light, water, and other gifts. For how richly and ungrudgingly are all these bestowed! If thou seekest riches, seek those that are stable and enduring, and which are the fruit of good works. He shows that this is his meaning by what follows.
John Chrysostom · d. 407Homilies on 1 Timothy

Commentary

Matthew Henry · Verses 17–21

Being rich in this world is wholly different from being rich towards God. Nothing is more uncertain than worldly wealth. Those who are rich, must see that God gives them their riches; and he only can give to enjoy them richly; for many have riches, but enjoy them poorly, not having a heart to use them. What is the best estate worth, more than as it gives opportunity of doing the more good? Showing faith in Christ by fruits of love, let us lay hold on eternal life, when the self-indulgent, covetous, and ungodly around, lift up their eyes in torment. That learning which opposes the truth of the gospel, is not true science, or real knowledge, or it would approve the gospel, and consent to it. Those who advance reason above faith, are in danger of leaving faith. Grace includes all that is good, and grace is an earnest, a beginning of glory; wherever God gives grace, he will give glory.

Read Matthew Henry on 1 Timothy 6 →

Cross-references

56

Topics

Minister, ChristianFaithCommandmentsPrideLiberalityCovetousnessWorksConfidenceGifts From GodRichesRich, The

Cross-references: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Hebrew and Greek data from STEPBible.org (Tyndale House, Cambridge), CC BY 4.0. Library: sources.