Read & explore together
A Charge to the Rich
These verses give direct instructions for people who have wealth. The focus is not on denying that possessions exist, but on where hope should rest and how money should shape a person’s actions toward others.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
In this short part of the letter, Timothy is told to charge rich people in the present age. The teaching warns against arrogance and misplaced hope, then turns to practical generosity and the future outcome connected with such a life.
1 Timothy 6:17–19Main takeaway
People with wealth are taught to place their hope in the living God and to use what they have for generous good works.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01A charge for the rich nowThe instruction is aimed at those who are rich “in this present age”. That phrase keeps the focus on current earthly wealth.
Explanation
The instruction is aimed at those who are rich “in this present age”. That phrase keeps the focus on current earthly wealth. They are told not to become arrogant. Riches can tempt people to think too highly of themselves, so the first warning is about attitude before God and others.
02Hope belongs in the living GodThe passage says rich people must not set their hope on wealth because riches are uncertain.
Explanation
The passage says rich people must not set their hope on wealth because riches are uncertain. Instead, hope is to be set on the living God. He is described as the one who richly provides everything to enjoy, so enjoyment is linked with God’s giving, not with trusting money itself.
03Be rich in good worksThe next command explains what this looks like in practice. Instead of merely being rich in possessions, they are to do good and be rich in good works.
Explanation
The next command explains what this looks like in practice. Instead of merely being rich in possessions, they are to do good and be rich in good works. The letter also names generosity clearly: ready to distribute and willing to share. Wealth should move outward in helpful action.
04A foundation for the time to comeGenerosity in this passage is connected with the future. By living this way, people are described as laying up a good foundation against the time to come.
Explanation
Generosity in this passage is connected with the future. By living this way, people are described as laying up a good foundation against the time to come. The goal named here is that they may lay hold of eternal life. The passage ties present use of wealth to a future-oriented life.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What two wrong responses to wealth are named in verse 17?
Look for one attitude problem and one misplaced trust: arrogance and setting hope on uncertain riches.
02How does verse 18 redefine what it means to be rich?
Notice that the verse shifts from material wealth to being rich in good works, ready to distribute, and willing to share.
03What future result is connected with generosity in verse 19?
Read the verse closely and identify both expressions: a good foundation against the time to come and laying hold of eternal life.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
1 Timothy 6:17–19
17Charge those who are rich in this present age that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy;
18that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share;
19laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.