Paragraph 6:17–19

Before Paul ended this letter, he gave Timothy some specific instruction to pass on to those who were rich.

6:17a

Instruct those who are rich in the present age: Paul was giving Timothy instructions to pass on specifically to the rich believers in Ephesus, that is, Timothy was to instruct those who had a lot of money or possessions.

in the present age: Paul added the phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in the present age to emphasize that he was talking about people who had visible riches on earth.

conceited: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as conceited refers to people who are proud and think they are better and more important than anyone else.

6:17b

and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth: Many rich people think that money can solve all their problems. However Paul told Timothy to remind them that they should not trust in money like this.

the uncertainty of wealth: Here Paul stated one reason that rich people should not trust in money to solve all their problems. The reason is that riches are uncertain. That is, people can lose their riches very suddenly—perhaps a thief may steal the money.

6:17c

but in God: Instead of depending on money, rich people (as well as everyone else) should depend on God.

In some languages it may be necessary to say what people should hope in God for. If that is true in your language, you should say something general such as:

but they should depend on God for everything they need

6:17d

richly: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as richly is related to the Greek word translated “wealth” in 6:17b. In this context this word means “generously” or “abundantly.”

for us to enjoy: Here Paul stated the reason that God provides things for believers. He wants them to enjoy what he gives them, that is, he wants them to be happy with what he has given them and thank him for them.

us: This again refers to Paul, Timothy, and the Ephesian believers.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.