1 Timothy 6:7

7 Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless,

1 Timothy 6:7 Meaning and Commentary

1 Timothy 6:7

For we brought nothing into this world
Which is a reason both clearly showing that godliness is great gain, since those who have it brought nothing into the world with them but sin, and yet are now in such happy circumstances as before described; and that godly persons should be content with what they have, even of worldly things, seeing they are so much more than they had when they came into the world, into which they came naked; and which should be a quieting consideration under the most stripping providences; see ( Job 1:21 )

and it is certain we can carry nothing out:
as men come into the world, so will they go out of it; nor will they need their worldly substance after death, any more than they did before they were born; and what they now have, and use not, will then be lost to them, whatever gain it may be to others: wherefore it becomes them cheerfully to use what they have, and be content therewith; see ( Ecclesiastes 5:15 Ecclesiastes 5:16 ) . The Jews have a saying like this F15, that

``as a man comes (into the world), (Nyjylxb) , "simply" or "nakedly", so he goes out in like manner.''


FOOTNOTES:

F15 Bereshit Rabba, sect. 42. fol. 36. 3.

1 Timothy 6:7 In-Context

5 Eventually there's an epidemic of backstabbing, and truth is but a distant memory. They think religion is a way to make a fast buck.
6 A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before God.
7 Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless,
8 if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough.
9 But if it's only money these leaders are after, they'll self-destruct in no time.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.