“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;”
My Notes
What Does 1 Timothy 6:17 Mean?
Paul instructs Timothy to charge the wealthy with specific warnings: do not be highminded (arrogant because of wealth), and do not trust in uncertain riches. Wealth is not condemned. The attitude toward wealth is what Paul addresses.
"Uncertain riches" — the Greek literally means "the uncertainty of riches." Money is unreliable. It can vanish overnight. Building your security on it is building on sand.
The alternative: trust in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. The contrast is pointed — uncertain riches versus the living God. One is unstable. The other is alive and generous.
"Richly all things to enjoy" is a remarkable phrase. God is not stingy. He gives richly — abundantly, generously. And the gifts are meant to be enjoyed. The Christian life is not ascetic deprivation. It is grateful enjoyment of what a generous God provides.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Where does your sense of security actually rest — in your resources or in God?
- 2.How do 'uncertain riches' fail you in ways the living God does not?
- 3.What does it mean that God gives 'richly all things to enjoy' — how does that challenge both materialism and asceticism?
- 4.How do you hold wealth with open hands while still being responsible?
Devotional
Trust not in uncertain riches, but in the living God. Paul does not tell the rich to feel guilty. He tells them to redirect their trust.
Uncertain riches. Every financial crisis proves the point. What looked solid yesterday can be gone tomorrow. The riches are uncertain because the world they exist in is uncertain. Putting your security in money is putting your weight on something that shifts.
But in the living God. Living — not a concept, not a system, not a portfolio. A living person who is actively involved in your life. The alternative to trusting money is trusting someone who breathes, acts, and gives.
Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. This is not the instruction of a killjoy. God gives richly. Abundantly. Generously. And the purpose is enjoyment — not guilt, not asceticism, not anxious stewardship. Enjoy what God gives. Just do not make it your god.
The question is not whether you have money. It is whether money has you. Where is your trust actually placed — in the uncertain riches or in the living God?
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Charge them that are rich in this world,.... Or in the things of this world. The Arabic version reads, "in this present…
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The apostle here charges Timothy to keep this commandment (that is, the whole work of his ministry, all the trust…
A last direction. The Duties of the Rich
A postscript follows, with an omitted last word for the richer classes at…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture