First Reading1 Timothy 6:2c-12
From the First Letter of Paul to Timothy
2Those who have believing masters,let them not despise them because they are brothers,but rather let them serve them,because thosewho partake of the benefit are believing and beloved.Teach and exhort these things.
3If anyone teaches a different doctrineand doesn’t consent to sound words,the words of our Lord Jesus Christ,and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,4he is conceited, knowing nothing,but obsessed with arguments,disputes, and word battles,from which come envy,strife, insulting, evil suspicions,5constant friction of people of corrupt mindsand destitute of the truth,who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.Withdraw yourself from such.
6But godliness with contentment is great gain.7For we brought nothing into the world,and we certainly can’t carry anything out.8But having food and clothing,we will be content with that.9But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation,a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts,such as drown men in ruin and destruction.10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed,and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11But you, man of God,flee these things,and follow after righteousness,godliness, faith, love,perseverance, and gentleness.12Fight the good fight of faith.Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called,and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.