Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

In the verse cited in the question, Paul was advising Timothy to flee (that is, to purposely avoid or shun) the habits, attitudes, and practices to which Paul had been referring in the verses immediately preceding (that is, in 1 Timothy 6:3-10). These included conceit; an unhealthy love of controversy and disputing about words; envy; dissension; slander; wrangling; malicious suspicions; the perceiving of godliness only as a means of achieving personal material gain or profit; and the love of money.

January 02 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

STANLEY S. DRANE Supporter

Paul uses active and forceful verbs to describe the Christian life, flee, follow, fight, lay hold on. We as Saints, must have an active faith, training, working hard, sacrificing, and doing what we know is right.

January 08 2019 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What are the "these things" that Timothy and Christians are to "flee" 

1 Timothy 6:11 ESV: "But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness"

Paul's example was especially important to Timothy. The apostle urged that young man to pursue a lifestyle that put godly devotion and a close relationship with God before wealth.

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul highlighted principles that should govern enslaved Christians, some of whom may have expected material advantages because of having Christian owners. Others may have tried to use what was holy for selfish gain. Paul warned against "thinking that godly devotion is a means of [material] gain.” 

The root of the problem may have been "the love of money," which can harm anyone, rich or poor.​—1 Tim. 6:1, 2, 5, 9, 10.

Paul's instruction for Timothy to "flee these things" appears in 1 Timothy 6:11, where Timothy is urged to turn away from attitudes and behaviours that undermine godliness. The phrase points back to the dangers Paul has just described, contrasting destructive desires with the virtues Timothy is to pursue.

The first danger is the love of money. Paul warns that craving wealth leads people into temptation, harmful desires, and spiritual ruin. This is not a condemnation of resources themselves but of the inner attachment that distorts priorities, fuels greed, and replaces trust in God with trust in possessions. Timothy is to flee any mindset that treats ministry as a means of gain or that elevates material success above spiritual integrity.

Paul also identifies pride and arrogance as attitudes to avoid. Earlier in the letter, he warns against conceit that arises from false teaching and intellectual speculation. Pride disrupts unity, breeds conflict, and blinds a person to correction. Timothy is to reject any posture that elevates self‑importance or uses knowledge to dominate rather than serve.

Another danger is controversial teaching [false teachings]—arguments, quarrels, and debates that produce envy, strife, slander, and suspicion. Paul is not discouraging thoughtful discussion but warning against the kind of disputes that distract from the gospel and fracture relationships. Timothy must flee the impulse to engage in fruitless controversies that drain energy and divide the church.

Paul also points to unhealthy desires that accompany the pursuit of wealth and status: envy, rivalry, and the hunger for recognition. These desires distort motives and lead to behaviour that contradicts Christ's character. Timothy is to turn away from any ambition that seeks personal advancement at the expense of truth or community.

Another element is false security—trusting in riches, status, or human achievement. Paul warns that such confidence is unstable and deceptive. Timothy is to flee the illusion that worldly stability can replace dependence on God.

In a broader sense, "these things" include anything that competes with righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness, the virtues Paul immediately lists as the alternative. Fleeing is not passive avoidance; it is an active refusal to let destructive desires take root. Paul's language suggests urgency, decisiveness, and moral clarity.

For Christians generally, the command extends beyond Timothy's specific context. Believers are to flee greed, pride, divisive arguments, corrupt motives, and any pattern of life that contradicts the gospel. Paul's instruction frames the Christian life as a deliberate turning away from what harms the soul and a deliberate pursuit of what reflects Christ.

The command to flee is paired with the call to pursue. Paul does not leave Timothy with avoidance alone; he directs him toward virtues that shape a life of integrity and service. The contrast highlights the seriousness of the dangers and the beauty of the alternative.

September 20 2026 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report