I Timothy 6:11
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But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
But thou--in contrast to the "some" (Ti1 6:10). man of God--who hast God as thy true riches (Gen 15:1; Psa 16:5; Lam 3:24). Applying primarily to Timothy as a minister (compare Pe2 1:21), just as the term was used of Moses (Deu 33:1), Samuel (Sa1 9:6), Elijah, and Elisha; but, as the exhortation is as to duties incumbent also on all Christians, the term applies secondarily to him (so Ti2 3:17) as a Christian man born of God (Jam 1:18; Jo1 5:1), no longer a man of the world raised above earthly things; therefore, God's property, not his own, bought with a price, and so having parted with all right in himself: Christ's work is to be his great work: he is to be Christ's living representative. flee these things--namely, "the love of money" with its evil results (Ti1 6:9-10). follow after righteousness-- (Ti2 2:22). godliness--"piety." Righteousness is more in relation to our fellow man; piety ("godliness") to God"; faith is the root of both (see on Tit 2:12). love--by which "faith worketh." patience--enduring perseverance amidst trials. meekness--The oldest manuscripts read, "meek-spiritedness," namely, towards the opponents of the Gospel.
Open source ↗I. He treats of the duty of servants (Ti1 6:1, Ti1 6:2). II. Of false teachers (Ti1 6:3-5). III. Of godliness and covetousness (Ti1 6:6-10). IV. What Timothy was to flee, and what to follow (Ti1 6:11, Ti1 6:12). V. A solemn charge (Ti1 6:13-16). VI. A charge for the rich (Ti1 6:17-19). And lastly, a charge to Timothy (Ti1 6:20, Ti1 6:21).
Open source ↗6:11-16 Before ending the discussion of wealth, Paul exhorts Timothy to live beyond reproach, commanding him to flee from desire for wealth.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.
Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.
Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.