1 Timothy 6:17

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Charge {G3853} them that are rich {G4145} in {G1722} this {G3568} world {G165}, that they be {G5309} not {G3361} highminded {G5309}, nor {G3366} trust {G1679} in {G1909} uncertain {G83} riches {G4149}, but {G235} in {G1722} the living {G2198} God {G2316}, who {G3588} giveth {G3930} us {G2254} richly {G4146} all things {G3956} to {G1519} enjoy {G619};

Complete Jewish Bible

As for those who do have riches in this present world, charge them not to be proud and not to let their hopes rest on the uncertainties of riches but to rest their hopes on God, who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Timothy 6:17 delivers a crucial apostolic command to believers who possess material wealth, urging them to guard against the spiritual perils of pride and misplaced trust in fleeting earthly possessions. Instead, it redirects their faith and security towards the immutable character of the "living God," who is the ultimate source of all good things, generously providing for His people not merely for sustenance, but for their genuine enjoyment and His glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's final instructions to Timothy, his protégé and leader of the church in Ephesus, as recorded in [1 Timothy 6](/1_timothy/6 "1 Timothy 6 - Instructions on Godliness and Wealth"). The chapter begins by addressing false teachers and the pursuit of godliness with contentment ([1 Timothy 6:3-10](/1_timothy/6-3-10 "1 Timothy 6:3-10 - Warnings Against False Teachers and Love of Money")), famously warning that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil ([1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil")). Following this, Paul exhorts Timothy to "fight the good fight of faith" ([1 Timothy 6:11-16](/1_timothy/6-11-16 "1 Timothy 6:11-16 - Paul's Charge to Timothy")), culminating in this specific charge to the wealthy within the congregation. The immediate subsequent verse ([1 Timothy 6:18](/1_timothy/6-18 "1 Timothy 6:18 - Instructions for the Rich to Do Good")) further elaborates on how the rich should use their wealth for good works, generosity, and sharing, forming a holistic teaching on Christian stewardship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus, a major Roman city and port, was a hub of commerce, culture, and diverse religious practices. It was a place where wealth was accumulated and displayed, and where social status was often tied to material possessions. The early church in Ephesus, like many urban centers, likely included members from various socio-economic backgrounds, including some who were quite wealthy. In the Greco-Roman world, wealth often conferred power, influence, and a sense of self-sufficiency. Paul's instruction directly challenges these prevailing cultural norms, which could easily infiltrate the church and distort believers' perspectives on God, self, and others. The warning against "uncertain riches" would resonate deeply in a world where economic stability was far less certain than today, subject to political upheaval, natural disaster, and banditry.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Timothy and Pauline theology. It reinforces the theme of **godliness with contentment** ([1 Timothy 6:6](/1_timothy/6-6 "1 Timothy 6:6 - Godliness with Contentment")), contrasting it with the insatiable desire for wealth. It highlights the **dangers of materialism and misplaced trust**, emphasizing that true security and identity are found not in possessions but in God alone. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **God's benevolent provision**, portraying Him as the generous giver who provides "richly all things to enjoy," thereby laying the groundwork for the subsequent call to **generous stewardship** ([1 Timothy 6:18-19](/1_timothy/6-18-19 "1 Timothy 6:18-19 - The Purpose of Wealth")). The verse also implicitly touches on the **sovereignty of God** as the ultimate source and sustainer of all creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Charge (Greek, _parangéllō'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to transmit a message" or "to enjoin," signifies a strong, authoritative command or instruction. It is not a mere suggestion but a solemn directive, indicating the gravity and importance of Paul's counsel to Timothy regarding the wealthy. It implies a formal and binding instruction, highlighting the pastoral responsibility to deliver this message clearly.
* **highminded (Greek, _hypsēlophronéō'_):** A compound word meaning "to be lofty in mind" or "to think highly of oneself." This term describes an arrogant, proud, or haughty disposition that often accompanies wealth or status. It speaks to an inflated sense of self-importance or superiority that can arise from material possessions, leading to a reliance on self rather than God.
* **uncertain riches (Greek, _adēlótēs ploútou'_):** This phrase combines "uncertainty" (_adēlótēs_) with "wealth" (_ploûtos_). _Adēlótēs_ denotes something unclear, unstable, or not manifest, emphasizing the inherent unpredictability and transient nature of earthly wealth. It highlights that material fortunes are not a dependable foundation for security, identity, or lasting well-being, contrasting sharply with the steadfastness of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Charge them that are rich in this world":** Paul instructs Timothy to deliver a direct, authoritative command to those within the Ephesian church who possess significant material wealth. This is a specific pastoral responsibility, indicating that wealth brings unique spiritual challenges that require explicit guidance. The phrase "in this world" clarifies that the focus is on earthly, temporal riches, distinguishing them from spiritual or eternal treasures.
* **"that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches":** This clause presents the primary negative prohibitions. The wealthy are warned against developing an arrogant or proud attitude ("highminded") that can stem from their possessions, which might lead them to look down on others or become self-sufficient. Furthermore, they are forbidden from placing their ultimate confidence, security, or hope ("trust") in their material wealth, precisely because such riches are inherently unstable, unreliable, and fleeting ("uncertain"). This highlights the spiritual danger of misplaced faith.
* **"but in the living God":** This introduces the crucial positive command, providing the antidote to the previous warnings. Instead of trusting in themselves or their wealth, the rich are to place their trust solely in God. The descriptor "living God" emphasizes His active, dynamic, and eternal nature, contrasting Him with dead idols or the inanimate, transient nature of money. He is the reliable, ever-present, and life-giving source of all true security.
* **"who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;":** This final clause beautifully articulates God's character and His benevolent provision. It affirms that God is the ultimate source of all good things ("all things"), and He provides them not sparingly, but "richly" (copiously, abundantly). The purpose of this abundant provision is for humanity's "enjoyment," indicating God's desire for His creation to genuinely delight in His good gifts, rather than hoarding them or being enslaved by them. This reframes wealth as a divine gift to be received with gratitude and used for its intended purpose.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Antithesis** is prominent, setting up a clear contrast between "uncertain riches" and "the living God" as objects of trust. This stark opposition underscores the folly of relying on material wealth versus the wisdom of trusting in the divine. The phrase "living God" itself serves as a powerful **epithet**, emphasizing God's active, dynamic, and life-giving nature, which stands in direct contrast to the inanimate and perishable nature of wealth. The use of the strong verb "Charge" (from _parangéllō_) is an example of **imperative mood**, conveying the urgency and authority of Paul's instruction. Finally, the concluding phrase, "who giveth us richly all things to enjoy," functions as a **statement of divine benevolence**, painting a picture of God's generous and purposeful provision, which serves as the foundation for the call to trust Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes a biblical theology of wealth, moving beyond a simple condemnation or endorsement to a nuanced understanding of its spiritual dangers and divine purpose. It asserts God's absolute sovereignty as the ultimate provider and challenges the human tendency to deify material possessions. The command to trust in the "living God" rather than "uncertain riches" is a call to radical dependence on Christ, recognizing that true security and contentment are found only in Him. It reorients the believer's heart from self-sufficiency and worldly pride to humble gratitude and stewardship, viewing wealth as a temporary trust from God for His glory and the good of others, rather than a personal achievement or a source of ultimate satisfaction.

* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trusting in Riches")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Timothy 6:17 serves as a timeless mirror for every believer, regardless of their financial standing. It compels us to honestly examine the true object of our trust and the source of our security. Do we find ourselves subtly, perhaps even unconsciously, placing our hope in our bank accounts, investments, career stability, or material possessions? The warning against being "highminded" challenges us to cultivate humility, recognizing that all we have is a gift from God, not a testament to our own inherent superiority or self-made success. The call to trust in the "living God" invites a profound reorientation of our affections and priorities, reminding us that He alone is unchanging, utterly dependable, and infinitely generous. This verse encourages us to enjoy God's good gifts with gratitude, but always with an open hand, ready to share and to remember that our ultimate treasure is found not in what we possess, but in the One who possesses us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to be "highminded" because of my possessions, achievements, or social status?**
* **What "uncertain riches" do I tend to trust in, consciously or unconsciously, instead of the living God?**
* **How does my daily life reflect a genuine trust in God as the one who "giveth us richly all things to enjoy"?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for God's provision and a greater willingness to share what He has given me?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse condemn wealth itself?**

Answer: No, this verse does not condemn wealth itself, but rather the attitude and trust placed in it. Paul's instruction is directed "them that are rich," indicating that wealth is a reality within the Christian community. The prohibition is against being "highminded" (proud or arrogant) and trusting in "uncertain riches." Instead, the wealthy are commanded to trust in "the living God" who generously provides "all things to enjoy." The emphasis is on the heart's disposition towards wealth, not the mere possession of it. This is consistent with other biblical passages that acknowledge wealth while warning against its dangers, such as [Matthew 19:23-24](/matthew/19-23-24 "Matthew 19:23-24 - The Rich Young Ruler") and [Proverbs 30:8-9](/proverbs/30-8-9 "Proverbs 30:8-9 - Agur's Prayer for Moderation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Timothy 6:17 is a direct command to the wealthy, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the trust in the living God and the ultimate generosity of divine provision. Jesus, though "rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Generosity")). He did not trust in earthly riches or worldly power, but perfectly submitted to the will of the Father, even unto death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-5 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). His life demonstrated complete reliance on God's provision, and His teachings consistently warned against the deceitfulness of wealth ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve God and Money")). Through His sacrifice, Christ became the ultimate "living God" in whom we are to trust, offering us not uncertain riches, but "unsearchable riches" ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - The Unsearchable Riches of Christ")) of grace, forgiveness, and eternal life. He is the one who "giveth us richly all things to enjoy," not merely material blessings, but the spiritual abundance of the Holy Spirit, peace, and joy that far surpass any earthly treasure ([Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - Hope and Joy in the Holy Spirit")). Thus, in Christ, we find the perfect model for how to relate to wealth—with humility, generosity, and absolute trust in the Father's unfailing provision.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 14:17

Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

Proverbs 11:28

¶ He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

1 Timothy 4:10

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

James 1:9

Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

James 1:10

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

Matthew 19:23

¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Proverbs 27:24

For riches [are] not for ever: and doth the crown [endure] to every generation?