I Timothy 6:5
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and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Perverse disputings--useless disputings. The oldest manuscripts read, "lasting contests" [WIESINGER]; "incessant collisions" [ALFORD]. "Strifes of words" had already been mentioned so that he would not be likely to repeat the same idea (as in the English Version reading) again. corrupt minds--Greek, "of men corrupted (depraved) in mind." The inmost source of the evil is in the perverted mind (Ti1 6:4; Ti2 3:8; Tit 1:15). destitute of the truth-- (Tit 1:14). They had had the truth, but through want of moral integrity and of love of the truth, they were misled by a pretended deeper gnosis (knowledge) and higher ascetical holiness, of which they made a trade [WIESINGER]. supposing, &c.--The Greek requires, "supposing (regarding the matter in this point of view) that piety (so translated for 'godliness') is a means of gain (that is, a way of advancing one's worldly interests: a different Greek form, poriswa, expresses the thing gained, gain)"; not "that gain is godliness," as English Version. from such withdraw thyself--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. The connection with Ti1 6:6 favors the omission of these words, which interrupt the connection.
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 ↗6:5 have turned their backs on the truth: Literally having been robbed of the truth; see 2 Tim 2:18; 3:7, 8; 4:4; Titus 1:14. • a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy (see 1 Tim 2:2; 3:8; 4:8; 6:3; see also 2 Tim 3:2; Acts 8:9-25): Just how these false teachers thought they would profit is not clear. In the wider culture there were many itinerant teachers who taught for pay. Abuse was common and often deserved the accusation that someone’s teaching was for “gain and glory.” Perhaps the false teachers of 1 Timothy were bringing this practice into the church or espousing some version of a prosperity gospel. They appear to have had an influence on wealthy believers (1 Tim 6:17-19), and possibly on women in particular (2:9; 5:6).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!
In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.
who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not.
Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith.
Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.
Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.
not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.
Some have strayed from these ways and turned aside to empty talk.
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money.