1 Timothy 6:6-10 – Perspective toward money and being contented

In verses 6-10, Paul dealt with the matter on how believers ought to view wealth. While the false teachers propagated godliness as a way to financial gain, Paul affirmed anther way that one could certainly find gain. It is being contented in life. Contentment helps one to be divested of greed, and cultivate a proper perspective of money and life. It helps one to see the momentary and transitory nature of wealth and possession. Besides, Paul said that this contentment will assist one to evaluate the difference between needs and wants, and learned to be satisfied with the basic needs of life.

Paul wanted to show that the greed which the false teachers were promoting would only lead to destruction and ruin. So in verses 9-10, he argued that those who pursue riches would be more prone to give in to temptation. Then they would be snared or trapped and be led into many foolish and harmful desires, leading to ruin and destruction.

In verse 10 Paul emphasized what he had already said in verse 9. When you compare the two verses, you see that Paul was essentially saying the same thing. Those who want to get rich described in verse 9 are those who love money in verse 10. The many foolish and harmful desires are those who have all sort of evils. The ruin and destruction of those who love money described in verse 9 mean the same thing as those who would be pierced with many a pang. 

However, we see one extra fact in verse 10, that is, some by longing for it (riches) have wandered away from the faith. The love of money can have a dire effect on one’s faith. In regard to devotion to God or mammon, the Lord Jesus Himself has said, “No man can serve two masters.” One will eventually be sacrificed for the other. So what do we do? Pursue godliness over wealth and be contented with life. For godliness with contentment is great gain!