Fathers

1 Timothy 6

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Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 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. 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. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. 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; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

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What the Fathers say

1 Timothy 6:17

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"Charge them that are rich in this world that they be not high-minded." He has well said, "rich in this world." For there are others rich in the future world. And this advice he gives, knowing that nothing so generally produces pride and arrogance as wealth. To abate this, therefore, he immediately adds, "Nor trust in uncertain riches"; since that was the source of pride; inasmuch as he who hopes in God, is not elated. Why dost thou place thy hopes upon what is instantly transferable? For such is wealth! …

Homily on 1 Timothy 18 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

There are also other rich people, but not in the present age, rather in the future one — these are the righteous. For wealth arouses arrogance and vainglory. Immediately he humbles them. Why, he says, do you boast in a support that is unfaithful, easily destroyed, and unstable? That is, air, water, light, the changes of seasons, times, and everything else He gave with greater generosity, although selfishness attributes to itself everything it receives. From this learn that God enriched man by giving him everything without division. …

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗

Oecumenius

To the rich, in this present age, command not to be arrogant, nor to hope in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. For there are also other rich men, but not in this age. The truly rich are the righteous ones, that is. not to be arrogant, Paul says. For nothing so much inflates and exalts the mind as money and possessions. nor to hope in uncertain riches. See how he insults them, and how foolish they are. For who hopes for something uncertain? but in the living God. …

Commentary On 1 Timothy ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

Praise to the rich if they remain humble. Praise the rich for being poor. The one who writes to Timothy wants them to be like that, when he says, "Order the rich of this world not to be haughty in mind." I know what I am saying: give them these orders. The riches they have are whispering persuasively to them to be proud; the riches they have make it very hard for them to be humble.

Sermons 14.2 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Above, he dealt with the instruction of persons of low estate; here he returns to his subject and instructs him how to deal with the rich: first, he does this; second, he deals with Timothy's own instruction, at O Timothy. As always, when he instructs him about instructing others, he warns him not to neglect himself. In regard to the first, first, he informs him about the vices usually found in the rich; second, he charges him to pursue the good, at do good. …

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗