1 Timothy 6:17
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul doesn't just tell the rich to not rely on money, but to rely on God because He generously gives us everything to enjoy. This isn't about asceticism, but about redirecting our gratitude and trust from possessions to the Giver, who actually wants us to find joy in His provisions.
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is giving Timothy instructions on how to lead the church in Ephesus, addressing various groups like leaders, younger men, and even slaves. In this section, he's specifically zeroing in on the wealthy believers, cautioning them against pride and an unhealthy reliance on their money. Right after this, Paul will urge Timothy to hold onto the truth of the gospel and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and gentleness.
Paul is speaking to Timothy about a sensitive issue: wealth. It's easy for those with resources to feel superior or to rely on their money. What does Paul warn them against?
Paul directly addresses the rich, not to condemn their wealth, but to guide their hearts. He warns them against two specific pitfalls:
1. Don't be Haughty
This isn't just about being proud; it's about an arrogant disregard for others and for God. Wealth can create a sense of self-sufficiency that makes people look down on those with less. It fosters an attitude that says, 'I've earned this, and I don't need anyone, especially God.'
2. Don't Set Hopes on Uncertain Riches
Riches are called 'uncertain' because they can vanish in an instant. Economic downturns, theft, natural disasters, or even just the passage of time can erode wealth. To place your ultimate trust and hope in something so temporary is foolishness.
If riches are uncertain and can lead to pride, where should our ultimate trust and hope truly lie? Paul points to an unshakable foundation.
After identifying the dangers, Paul immediately pivots to the solution: God.
The Unchanging Provider
Unlike the fluctuating nature of earthly wealth, God is constant and dependable. He is the one who 'richly provides us with everything to enjoy.' This isn't just about necessities; it's about the abundance and delight that He intends for us to experience in life.
Ask a follow-up
Shifting Our Hope
The call is to shift our focus from the temporary ('uncertainty of riches') to the eternal and faithful ('but on God'). Our security, our joy, and our ability to enjoy life's good gifts are rooted in His generous nature and His faithful provision, not in our bank accounts.
Understand the original words
hypsēlophronein · Greek Verb
Arrogance or pride, particularly that which stems from worldly wealth or status; it is contrary to the humility required of believers.
ploutos · Greek Noun
Material wealth or assets; the Bible consistently warns of the instability and deception inherent in trusting in temporal riches rather than in God.
This instruction to Timothy reflects the real-world challenges faced by the early church as it encountered both poverty and wealth within its communities during a period of Roman economic influence.
c. 50 BC - AD 50
Roman Empire's Economic Expansion
The Roman Empire experienced significant economic growth, trade routes flourished, and vast wealth accumulated in the hands of a few.
c. AD 10-20
Rise of Wealthy Patrons
In cities like Ephesus (where Timothy was likely serving), wealthy individuals often served as patrons, funding public works and supporting religious or philosophical groups.
c. AD 50-60
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
The Apostle Paul spent considerable time in Ephesus, establishing a strong Christian community and addressing various issues within it, including those related to wealth and social status.
c. AD 60-67— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment and Letters
During his Roman imprisonment, Paul wrote letters, including 1 Timothy, to guide and instruct church leaders like Timothy in shepherding the burgeoning churches.
c. AD 65
Growing Church Wealth and Challenges
As Christianity spread, some believers, including those who were wealthy, faced temptations of pride and misplaced trust in their riches, requiring pastoral guidance.
This parable of the rich fool directly illustrates the danger of setting one's hope on earthly wealth rather than on God, mirroring the charge given in 1 Timothy 6:17.
Matthew 19:23-24Jesus' words here highlight the difficulty the wealthy face in entering the kingdom of God, underscoring the warning against pride and misplaced trust in riches that 1 Timothy addresses.
Proverbs 3:5-6This passage encourages trusting in the Lord completely and not leaning on one's own understanding, which directly contrasts with the 'uncertainty of riches' mentioned in 1 Timothy 6:17.
1 John 2:15-17This passage warns against loving the world and its riches, reminding us that they are temporary, thereby reinforcing the exhortation to set our hope on God who is eternal.
Paul doesn't just tell the rich to not rely on money, but to rely on God because He generously gives us everything to enjoy. This isn't about asceticism, but about redirecting our gratitude and trust from possessions to the Giver, who actually wants us to find joy in His provisions.
Paul is giving Timothy instructions on how to lead the church in Ephesus, addressing various groups like leaders, younger men, and even slaves. In this section, he's specifically zeroing in on the wealthy believers, cautioning them against pride and an unhealthy reliance on their money. Right after this, Paul will urge Timothy to hold onto the truth of the gospel and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and gentleness.
Paul is giving Timothy instructions on how to lead the church in Ephesus, addressing various groups like leaders, younger men, and even slaves. In this section, he's specifically zeroing in on the wealthy believers, cautioning them against pride and an unhealthy reliance on their money. Right after this, Paul will urge Timothy to hold onto the truth of the gospel and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and gentleness.
"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy." — Paul doesn't just tell the rich to not rely on money, but to rely on God because He generously gives us everything to enjoy. This isn't about asceticism, but about redirecting our gratitude and t…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
