What is "godliness with contentment"? (1 Timothy 6:6–8)
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
1 Timothy 6:6 - 8
ESV - 6 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
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Asked September 20 2020
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Jack Gutknecht
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Tim Maas
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In the verse prior to the verse cited in the question (1 Timothy 6:5), Paul referred to people who view being godly not as something desirable per se, or as a goal in itself, but only as a means to the end of helping them to achieve material gain -- a mindset that Paul described as "depraved" and "devoid of the truth". The true attitude of individuals should be to pursue godliness for its own sake, and, at the same time, to be content with the necessities of life (such as food and clothing), and with their current material status -- attitudes which Paul characterizes as a great gain just by itself, since (as Paul reminded Timothy -- and us -- in the very next verse) we brought no material possessions into this world, and we cannot take any out of it.
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