Survey of the Letters of Paul:  1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

This section has three verses.

1 Timothy 6:17-19
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

We will begin with the Barclay commentary:

ADVICE TO THE RICH
1 Timothy 6:17–19

First the paraphrase of the three verses

Charge those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be proud, and not to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God who gives them all things richly to enjoy. Charge them to do good; to find their wealth in noble deeds; to be ready to share all that they have; to be men who never forget that they are members of a fellowship; to lay up for themselves the treasure of a fine foundation for the world to come, that they may lay hold on real life.

SOMETIMES we think of the early Church as composed entirely of poor people and slaves. Here we see that, even as early as this, it had its wealthy members. They are not condemned for being wealthy, nor told to give all their wealth away; but they are told what not to do and what to do with it.

Their riches must not make them proud. They must not think themselves better than other people because they have more money. Nothing in this world gives anyone the right to look down on another person, least of all the possession of wealth. They must not set their hopes on wealth. In the chances and the changes of life, we may be wealthy today and find ourselves in poverty tomorrow; and it is folly to set one’s hopes on what can so easily be lost.

They are told that they must use their wealth to do good, that they must always be ready to share, and that they must remember that every Christian is a member of a fellowship. And they are told that such wise use of wealth will build for them a good foundation in the world to come. As it has been put, ‘What I kept, I lost; what I gave, I have.’

There is a famous Jewish Rabbinic story. A man called Monobaz had inherited great wealth, but he was a good, a kindly and a generous man. In time of famine, he gave away all his wealth to help the poor. His brothers came to him and said: ‘Your fathers laid up treasure, and added to the treasure that they had inherited from their fathers, and are you going to waste it all?’ He answered: ‘My fathers laid up treasure below: I have laid it up above. My fathers laid up treasure of Mammon: I have laid up treasure of souls. My fathers laid up treasure for this world: I have laid up treasure for the world to come.’

Every time we could give and do not give lessens the wealth laid up for us in the world to come; every time we give increases the riches laid up for us when this life comes to an end. The teaching of the Christian ethic is not that wealth is a sin but that it is a very great responsibility. If wealth ministers to nothing but personal pride and enriches no one but the wealthy individual, it becomes that person’s ruination, because it impoverishes the soul. But if wealth is used to bring help and comfort to others, in becoming poorer, the wealthy person really becomes richer. In time and in eternity, ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20:35). ~Barclay commentary

Now to the other commentaries.

Our lesson again is verse 17

1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

The commentaries generally break this down into 4 phrases:

1] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be no high-minded. Note: some divide this into two phrases.
2] Nor trust in uncertain riches
3] But in the living God.
4] Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.


Before we get into these 4 phrases, let us read the Matthew Henry Concise commentary that covers verses 17-21.

Being rich in this world is wholly different from being rich towards God. Nothing is more uncertain than worldly wealth. Those who are rich, must see that God gives them their riches; and he only can give to enjoy them richly; for many have riches, but enjoy them poorly, not having a heart to use them. What is the best estate worth, more than as it gives opportunity of doing the more good? Showing faith in Christ by fruits of love, let us lay hold on eternal life, when the self-indulgent, covetous, and ungodly around, lift up their eyes in torment. That learning which opposes the truth of the gospel, is not true science, or real knowledge, or it would approve the gospel, and consent to it. Those who advance reason above faith, are in danger of leaving faith. Grace includes all that is good, and grace is an earnest, a beginning of glory; wherever God gives grace, he will give glory. ~Matthew Henry Concise

1] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be no high-minded.
Charge them that are rich. - Some in Ephesus had riches. These must be humble and "condescend to men of low estate." Their trust must be in God, rather than in uncertain riches. ~People's New Testament

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded - One of the evils to which they are particularly exposed. The idea is, that they should not value themselves on account of their wealth, or look down with pride and arrogance on their inferiors. They should not suppose that they are any better people or any nearer [Salvation], because they are wealthy. Property really makes no distinction in the great things that pertain to character and salvation, It does not necessarily make one wise, or learned, or great, or good. In all these things, the man who has not wealth may be vastly the superior of him who has; and for so slight and unimportant a distinction as gold can confer, no man should be proud. Besides, let such a man reflect that his property is the gift of God; that he is made rich because God has chosen to arrange things so that he should be; that it is not primarily owing to any skill or wisdom which he has; that his property only increases his responsibility, and that it must all soon be left, and he be as poor as the “beggar that lies at his gate;” and he will see ample reason why he should not be proud. ~Barnes Notes

Charge them that are rich - He had before, in 1 Timothy 6:9-10, given them a very awful lesson concerning their obtaining riches; and now he gives them one equally so concerning their use of them. ~Adam Clarke

Quoted verse:
1 Timothy 6:9-10 [see lessons]
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

That they be not high-minded - That they do not value themselves on account of their wealth, for this adds nothing to mind or moral worth. ~Adam Clarke

Charge them that are rich in this world - Or in the things of this world. The Arabic version reads, "in this present world": in distinction from the world to come: some are poor in this world, and rich in another; others are rich in this world, and poor, and wretched, and miserable in the world to come: some are rich in both worlds, and such were at least some of those the apostle here refers to, who were members of the church at Ephesus, which was a rich city, and some rich men in it were called by the grace of God; and to distinguish these from others, who, though poor in this world, were rich in grace and in spiritual gifts, he so calls them; as well as to observe that their riches were like the world they were in, deceitful, empty, unsatisfying, and perishing: these the apostle would have not only spoke to, instructed, exhorted, and entreated, but strictly charged and commanded, without paying any regard to their worldly grandeur and riches. ~John Gill

That they be not high minded -  the Ethiopic version reads - "that they be not lifted up in this world"; with their wealth and worldly substance, and look down from the height of their honour and riches with contempt upon the poor, entertaining high thoughts of themselves, as if their bodies were of another matter and make, when they have all one Maker, are of one blood, and of the earth, earthly, and must return to it; or as if their souls were more large and capacious [more spacious or roomy], and they were wiser and more knowing, whereas riches are not always to men of understanding, a fool may be rich, and a wise man poor; or as if they [the rich] were the peculiar favorites of heaven, when, for the most part, God chooses and calls the poor of this world; or as if others [the poorer] were unworthy of their looks, company, and conversation. Riches produce pride; rich men are apt to be proud of themselves, and despise others; and therefore this evil is taken notice of, as what they are to be cautioned against, and charged to the contrary. ~John Gill

2] Nor trust in uncertain riches.
Nor trust in uncertain riches - Margin, “The uncertainty of.” The margin expresses the meaning of the Greek more accurately than the text, but the sense is not materially varied. Riches are uncertain because they may soon be taken away. No dependence can be placed on them in the emergencies of life. He who is rich today, has no security that he will be tomorrow; and if he shall be rich tomorrow, he has no certainty that his riches will meet his necessities then. A man whose house is in flames, or who is shipwrecked, or whose child lies dying, or who is himself in the agonizes of death, can derive no advantage from the fact that he is richer than other people. That against which Paul here directs Timothy to caution the rich, is that to which they are most exposed. A man who is rich, is very liable to “trust” in His riches, and to suppose that he needs nothing more; compare Luke 12:19. He feels that he is not dependent on his fellow-men, and he is very likely to feel that he is not dependent on God. It is for this cause that God has recorded so many solemn declarations in his word respecting the instability of riches (compare Proverbs 23:5), and that he is furnishing so many instructive lessons in his providence, showing how easily riches may suddenly vanish away. ~Barnes Notes

Quoted verses:
Luke 12:19
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

Proverbs 23:5
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Nor trust in uncertain riches - Πλουτου αδηλοτητι· The uncertainty of riches; things which are never at a stay, are ever changing, and seldom continue long with one proprietor; therefore, as well as on many other accounts, they are not to be trusted in: they cannot give happiness, because they are not fixed and permanent, but in the living God, who is the unchangeable fountain of perfection. ~Adam Clarke

Nor trust in uncertain riches - or "in the uncertainty of riches"; they are here today, and gone tomorrow; no man that is possessed of them can be sure of them a moment; they make themselves wings and flee away; he that gives them, can take them away at pleasure: and there are various ways by which they are suddenly, and at once taken from the owners of them; as by loss in trade, by shipwreck, by inundations [floods], by fire, by thieves, etc., and yet men are apt to promise themselves a continuance of them, and to have their dependence upon them, and place their trust and confidence in them, yea, even good men; and that very much to the neglect of, and disregard to the providence of God, which is always best and safest in every circumstance and station of life to depend upon, as follows: ~John Gill

3] But in the living God.
But in the living God -
(1) He is able to supply all our needs, and to do for us what riches cannot do; and,
(2) he never changes, or leaves those who put their trust in him. He is able to meet our needs if in the flames, or in a storm at sea, or when a friend dies, or when we lie down on a bed of death, or wherever we may be in the eternal world. ~Barnes Notes

But in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy - Almost every word carries in it an argument or reason why he should be trusted, because he is God, and not a creature; the "living" God, who has life in himself, essentially and originally; is the author, giver, and maintainer of life in others; and who always is, ever continues unchangeably the same: and "giveth all things"; every good gift comes from him; all the gifts of nature, and bounties of Providence; and as he gives, he can take away, and therefore should be only regarded; and he gives all things "richly", largely, and plenteously; what is necessary and convenient, and abundantly more than men deserve: and that "to enjoy"; not to lay up, but to use for support, refreshment, and pleasure, though not to abuse. ~John Gill

4] Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.
Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy - Who not only has all good, but dispenses it liberally for the supply of the wants of all his creatures; and he does not give merely what is necessary, but he gives what tends to render life comfortable. The comforts of life come from God, as well as the necessaries. He not only gives us a bare subsistence, but he gives us enjoyments. Were it not for the oppression and rapine [seizure of property; plunder] of wicked men, every situation and state in life would be comparatively comfortable. God gives liberally; man divides it badly. ~Adam Clarke

Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy - The meaning of this seems to be, that God permits us to enjoy everything. Everything in the works of creation and redemption he has given to man for his happiness, and he should therefore trust in him. He has not merely given wealth for the comfort of people, but he has given everything, and he on whom so many and so great blessings have been bestowed for his comfort, should trust in the great Benefactor himself, and not rely merely on one of his gifts; compare notes on 1 Corinthians 3:21-23. ~Barnes Notes

Let us close with some quotes regarding both kinds of riches.

--Ordinary riches can be stolen; real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.

--Death and life have their determined appointments; riches and honors depend upon heaven [God].

--To be able to give away riches is mandatory if you wish to possess them. This is the only way that you will be truly rich. ~Muhammad Ali

--Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence.

--The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.

--The god of this world is riches, pleasure and pride.

--To be satisfied with a little, is the greatest wisdom; and he that increaseth his riches, increaseth his cares; but a contented mind is a hidden treasure, and trouble findeth it not.

--A man's felicity [Great happiness; bliss] consists not in the outward and visible blessing of fortune, but in the inward and unseen perfections and riches of the mind.

--Riches are not an end of life, but an instrument of life.

--If thou wilt make a man happy, add not unto his riches but take away from his desires.

--Riches do not consist in the possession of treasures, but in the use made of them. ~Napoleon Bonaparte

--Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.

--Real riches are the riches possessed inside.

--Frugality is founded on the principal that all riches have limits.

See sermon, "Assiduity."


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