Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

1 Timothy 6:17

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Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Commentary

Paul is writing a letter of instruction to Timothy on how to lead a church. He has some instructions for Timothy to pass along to those who are rich: don’t put your faith in money! It’s here one minute and gone another. It all belongs to God, and if God wants to take it away, it’ll be gone in a flash. God on the other hand is reliable and faithful. God provides for us, not money. What should the rich do? They should be rich in good deeds and be generous. They can’t just be generous and think they’ve paid their dues. They should also do good. And they can’t just do good and hold on to all their money with a tight fist. They should also be generous. Paul says that that will lay up treasures in heaven. See the famous passage in Matthew 6.