6:1 Those who are under the yoke as slaves 1 must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent 2 the name of God and Christian teaching 3 from being discredited. 4 6:2 But those who have believing masters must not show them less respect 5 because they are brothers. Instead they are to serve all the more, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved. 6
Teach them and exhort them about these things. 7 6:3 If someone spreads false teachings 8 and does not agree with sound words (that is, those of our Lord Jesus Christ) and with the teaching that accords with godliness, 6:4 he is conceited and understands nothing, but has an unhealthy interest in controversies and verbal disputes. This gives rise to envy, dissension, slanders, evil suspicions, 6:5 and constant bickering by people corrupted in their minds and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness 9 is a way of making a profit. 6:6 Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit. 6:7 For we have brought nothing into this world and so 10 we cannot take a single thing out either.