1 Timothy 6:6-8
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse isn't just saying that being godly and content is good. It's highlighting that true "gain" isn't about accumulating more stuff, but about the quality of your spiritual life. Contentment is the essential partner that makes godliness a profoundly valuable, self-sufficient treasure.
Paul is warning Timothy about the dangers of greed and the corrupting influence of wealth, explaining how the pursuit of money can lead people astray from their faith. He contrasts this with true spiritual wealth, urging believers to find satisfaction in Christ rather than material possessions. This passage immediately follows Paul's admonishment against loving money and sets the stage for further instructions on how wealthy believers should act.
We often chase after wealth, thinking it's the key to happiness. But the Bible points to something far more precious, a quiet strength that money can't buy.
Paul highlights contentment as the essential partner to godliness.
What is Contentment?
It's not about settling or being passive. It's a deep inner peace and satisfaction with what God has provided, regardless of external circumstances. It's an awareness that our true wealth isn't in possessions but in our relationship with God.
The 'Great Gain'
When godliness (a life devoted to God) is paired with contentment, it yields 'great gain.' This gain isn't measured in dollars or earthly status, but in spiritual richness, peace, and a secure future in Christ. It's a profit that lasts for eternity.
We might think 'godliness' means following a strict set of religious rules. But the Bible paints a much richer, more dynamic picture of what it truly means to live for God.
The concept of godliness goes beyond outward actions; it's about an inner devotion and commitment to God that transforms how we live.
A Life Oriented Towards God
It signifies a life that reflects God's character and aligns with His will. This involves more than just religious duties; it's a deep reverence, trust, and active pursuit of pleasing Him in every aspect of life – our thoughts, words, and deeds.
The Foundation for True Gain
When this genuine devotion is paired with contentment, it becomes the bedrock of immense spiritual profit. Without this core orientation towards God, any perceived 'gain' from material wealth or success is ultimately hollow and fleeting.
Understand the original words
eusebeia · Greek Noun
A life of piety and devotion to God that manifests in reverent behavior and inward character transformation, grounded in the fear and knowledge of God.
autarkeia · Greek Noun
An inward sense of satisfaction and self-sufficiency that finds rest in God’s providence, regardless of one’s external material circumstances.
Paul himself learned the secret of contentment in all circumstances, echoing the great gain that comes from godliness in any situation.
Hebrews 13:5This passage directly advises against the love of money and reminds us that God promises to never leave or forsake us, which is the ultimate source of true contentment.
Matthew 6:24Jesus warns that you cannot serve both God and money, highlighting that true contentment found in godliness means shifting our ultimate allegiance away from material wealth.
Proverbs 16:8This proverb states that it is better to have a little with righteousness than great income with injustice, reinforcing the idea that godliness is the foundation of true gain, not just wealth.
This verse isn't just saying that being godly and content is good. It's highlighting that true "gain" isn't about accumulating more stuff, but about the quality of your spiritual life. Contentment is the essential partner that makes godliness a profoundly valuable, self-sufficient treasure.
Paul is warning Timothy about the dangers of greed and the corrupting influence of wealth, explaining how the pursuit of money can lead people astray from their faith. He contrasts this with true spiritual wealth, urging believers to find satisfaction in Christ rather than material possessions. This passage immediately follows Paul's admonishment against loving money and sets the stage for further instructions on how wealthy believers should act.
Paul is warning Timothy about the dangers of greed and the corrupting influence of wealth, explaining how the pursuit of money can lead people astray from their faith. He contrasts this with true spiritual wealth, urging believers to find satisfaction in Christ rather than material possessions. This passage immediately follows Paul's admonishment against loving money and sets the stage for further instructions on how wealthy believers should act.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 1 Timothy 6:6-8 is available in the Sola app.
"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content." — This verse isn't just saying that being godly and content is good. It's highlighting that true "gain" isn't about accumulating more stuff, but about the quality of your spiritual life. Contentm…
