1 Timothy 6:6

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Timothy 6:6-12

From the mention of the abuse which some put upon religion, making it to serve their secular advantages, the apostle, I. Takes occasion to show the excellency of contentment and the evil of covetousness. 1. The excellency of contentment, 1 Tim. 6:6-8. Some account Christianity an advantageous profession for this world. In the sense they mean this is false; yet it is undoubtedly true that, though Christianity is the worst trade, it is the best calling in the world. Those that make a trade of... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Timothy 6:6-8

6:6-8 And in truth godliness with contentment is great gain. We brought nothing into the world, and it is quite clear that we cannot take anything out of it either; but if we have food and shelter, we shall be content with them. The word here used for contentment is autarkeia (0841). This was one of the great watchwords of the Stoic philosophers. By it they meant a complete self-sufficiency. They meant a frame of mind which was completely independent of all outward things, and which... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Timothy 6:6

But godliness with contentment is great gain. By "godliness" is not meant any particular grace, but all the graces of the Spirit of God; as faith, hope, love, fear, &c.; the whole of internal religion, as it shows itself in outward worship, and in all acts of holiness of life and conversation; and which the doctrine that is according to godliness teaches and engages to; and this is gain, very great gain indeed. A man possessed of true godliness is a gaining, thriving, man: such as are... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Timothy 6:6

But godliness with contentment is great gain - The word godliness, ευσεβεια , here, and in several other places of this epistle, signifies the true religion, Christianity; and the word contentment, αυταρκεια , signifies a competency, a sufficiency; that measure or portion of secular things which is necessary for the support of life, while the great work of regeneration is carrying on in the soul. Not what this or the other person may deem a competency, but what is necessary for the mere... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Timothy 6:6

Verse 6 6But godliness with sufficiency is great gain In an elegant manner, and with an ironical correction, he instantly throws back those very words in an opposite meaning, as if he had said — “They do wrong and wickedly, who make merchandise of the doctrine of Christ, as if ‘godliness were gain;’ though, undoubtedly, if we form a correct estimate of it, godliness is a great and abundant gain.” And he so calls it, because it brings to us full and perfect blessedness. Those men, therefore, are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Timothy 6:1-10

I. DUTIES OF CHRISTIAN SLAVES . 1. Toward unbelieving masters . "Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the Name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed." Paul had to legislate for a social condition which was, to a considerable extent, different from ours. In the early Christian Churches there were not a few whose social condition was that of slaves. They are pointed to here as being under the yoke as servants. To... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Timothy 6:6

Godliness , etc. The apostle lakes up the sentiment which he had just condemned, and shows that in another sense it is most true. The godly man is rich indeed. For he wants nothing in this world but what God has given him, and has acquired riches which, unlike the riches of this world, he can take away with him (comp. Luke 12:33 ). The enumeration of his acquired treasures follows, after a parenthetical depreciation of those of the covetous man, in 1 Timothy 6:11 . The thought, as so... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Timothy 6:6-21

The contrast . There is no more effectual way of bringing out the peculiar beauties and excellences of any system or character than by contrasting with it the opposite system or character. Let us do this in regard to the two characters which are here brought before us, and the uses of money by them respectively. I. THE MONEY - LOVER . The love of money sits at the helm of his inner man. It is the spring of all his thoughts, desires, and actions. Observe what is his ruling... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Timothy 6:6

But godliness - Piety; religion. The meaning is, that real religion should be regarded as the greatest and most valuable acquisition. “With contentment.” This word, as now used, refers to a state of mind; a calm and satisfied feeling; a freedom from murmuring and complaining. The idea is, that “piety, connected with a contented mind - or a mind acquiescing in the allotments of life - is to be regarded as the real gain.” Tyndale gives substantially the same interpretation: “Godliness is great... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Timothy 6:6-10

1 Timothy 6:6-10. But godliness The genuine fear and love of God, and obedience to his will; with contentment The inseparable companion of vital piety; is great gain Brings unspeakable profit in time as well as in eternity, and indeed is the only true abiding gain; for all other gain is perishing. For we brought nothing into this world But were thrown naked upon the indulgent provision which our gracious Creator has been pleased to make for us; and it is certain Whatever treasures... read more

Group of Brands