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Reject False Doctrines
This passage warns about anyone whose teaching does not agree with the sound words of the Lord Jesus Christ. It shows that false doctrine is seen in both what is taught and the harmful attitudes and results that follow.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
In these verses, the focus stays on doctrine, the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, godliness, truth, and the damage caused by people who reject sound teaching. The passage also names a practical danger: treating godliness as a way to gain something for oneself.
1 Timothy 6:3–5Main takeaway
This passage teaches that teaching should be judged by the Lord Jesus Christ’s sound words and by whether it leads to godliness rather than quarrels and self-seeking gain.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Teaching must agree with sound wordsThe passage begins with a test for teaching. A person may teach “a different doctrine” or may refuse to agree with “sound words”.
Explanation
The passage begins with a test for teaching. A person may teach “a different doctrine” or may refuse to agree with “sound words”. Those sound words are identified here as “the words of our Lord Jesus Christ” and teaching “according to godliness”. The measure is not novelty, but agreement with Christ’s words and godly doctrine.
02Wrong teaching is joined to prideVerse 4 describes the teacher’s character as well as the teaching. Such a person is “conceited” and “knowing nothing”.
Explanation
Verse 4 describes the teacher’s character as well as the teaching. Such a person is “conceited” and “knowing nothing”. The problem is not faithful understanding but a proud lack of truth. This warning helps readers see that false doctrine is connected with distorted attitudes, not only mistaken statements.
03Word battles damage relationshipsThe passage says this person is “obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles”. These do not produce peace or godliness.
Explanation
The passage says this person is “obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles”. These do not produce peace or godliness. Instead, they lead to “envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions”. The list shows that unhealthy teaching affects a whole community, because constant quarrelling breaks trust and stirs conflict.
04Godliness is not a tool for profitVerse 5 speaks of “constant friction” among people with “corrupt minds” who are “destitute of the truth”.
Explanation
Verse 5 speaks of “constant friction” among people with “corrupt minds” who are “destitute of the truth”. Their error includes thinking that “godliness is a means of gain”. The closing instruction is plain: “Withdraw yourself from such.” The passage therefore calls for discernment and distance from teaching shaped by self-interest.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What standard does verse 3 give for recognising faithful teaching?
Notice that the verse points to “sound words”, specifically “the words of our Lord Jesus Christ”, and to doctrine that matches godliness.
02What kinds of attitudes and outcomes are linked with obsession over arguments in verse 4?
Read the whole list in the verse, from conceit and ignorance to envy, strife, insulting, and evil suspicions.
03What false view of godliness appears in verse 5, and what response is commanded?
Look for the statement about “gain” and then the final instruction at the end of the verse.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
1 Timothy 6:3–5
3If anyone teaches a different doctrine and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,
4he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions,
5constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.