1 Timothy 6:17

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;

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};

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.

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.

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;

The Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy offers timeless wisdom for Christian living, and 1 Timothy 6:17 delivers a profound directive concerning wealth and stewardship. This verse challenges common human tendencies regarding material possessions, guiding believers toward a God-centered perspective on prosperity.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's concluding instructions to Timothy, his spiritual son and a leader in the Ephesian church. Chapter 6 of 1 Timothy addresses various practical matters, including the dangers of false teaching, the pursuit of contentment, and the perils associated with the love of money. Paul is not condemning wealth itself, but rather the attitude and trust placed in it, setting the stage for a proper understanding of Christian stewardship.

Key Themes

  • A Direct Charge to the Wealthy: Paul explicitly instructs Timothy to "Charge them that are rich in this world." This is not merely a suggestion but a strong command, underscoring the spiritual gravity of how wealth is perceived and managed. The focus is on believers who possess significant earthly resources.
  • Warning Against Pride and Insecure Riches: The directive "that they be not highminded" cautions against the arrogance or haughtiness that can often accompany wealth. Riches can foster a false sense of self-sufficiency or superiority. Furthermore, they are warned not to "trust in uncertain riches." This highlights the inherent instability and transient nature of material possessions, which can be lost, stolen, or devalued (Matthew 6:19-21).
  • Trust in the Living God: The essential antidote to trusting in wealth is to "trust in the living God." This contrasts the fleeting nature of material things with the eternal, active, and utterly reliable Creator. God is presented as the ultimate source of security, identity, and provision, a foundational truth echoed throughout Scripture (Proverbs 3:5-6).
  • God's Generosity and Purposeful Provision: The beautiful phrase "who giveth us richly all things to enjoy" emphasizes God's abundant provision and His benevolent desire for humanity to genuinely enjoy the good things He provides. It reframes wealth not as something to hoard or boast about, but as a gift from God to be received with gratitude and used for His glory, including for personal enjoyment and for sharing generously with others (1 Timothy 6:18).

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "highminded" (Greek: hypselophroneō) literally means "to think highly of oneself" or "to be proud." It conveys an inflated sense of self-importance or arrogance stemming from one's possessions or status.
  • "Uncertain riches" (Greek: adēlotēs ploutou) vividly captures the unpredictability and instability of earthly wealth. It emphasizes that material fortunes are not a dependable foundation for security or identity.

Practical Application

This verse challenges all believers, regardless of their financial situation, to examine their hearts. Do we place our security, identity, or hope in our financial portfolio, career, or possessions? Or do we genuinely trust in God as our ultimate provider and sustainer? God promises to supply all our needs. This passage encourages humility, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for God's blessings, recognizing that all we have comes from Him. Our spiritual goal should be to be "rich towards God" (Luke 12:21), aligning our priorities with His eternal kingdom rather than the temporary allure of worldly wealth.

Reflection

Ultimately, 1 Timothy 6:17 reminds us that true security and lasting joy are found not in what we possess, but in the faithful character of the "living God" who generously provides and desires our genuine enjoyment of His good gifts. It is a powerful call to reorient our trust and affections away from the fleeting nature of wealth and toward the eternal, unchanging Provider.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?
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