1 Tim. 6:9. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare.
The Apostle persuades with a proof taken from this world. I do not touch upon the future, he says, but look at what happens here. He did not say "those who are rich," but "those who desire to be rich." For anyone, even while possessing wealth, can manage it well, because to despise it and distribute it to the poor is not the act of those who desire to be rich. "They fall into temptation and a snare," since they sin against the faith, and are surrounded by dangers on account of their wealth, and fear everyone.
1 Tim. 6:9. And into many foolish and harmful lusts.
Isn't it truly senseless to feed monkeys and cats, to keep wild animals and fish locked up in one's palaces, to adorn horses with gold, to raise water to the rooftop, to admire gleaming mirror-like floors in the house? This is senseless and harmful — harmful to the soul's welfare and exhausting of sensory goods. And many have perished because they pursued unlawful power.
1 Tim. 6:9. Which plunge people.
So ascending upward becomes impossible for them.
1 Tim. 6:9. Into ruin and destruction.
Of course, as has been said, both the destruction here and the one to come.
1 Tim. 6:10. For the root of all evils is the love of money.
He spares not the living, nor does he spare the dead, but robs even them, rises up against parents and brothers, and sacrilegiously steals what belongs to God. Cast out the love of money — and there will be no wars, no enmity, no fornication; for the harlot gives herself over to lewdness for the sake of money.
1 Tim. 6:10. Which some having given themselves over to, have strayed from the faith.
Love of money, riveting all of a person's attention to itself, does not allow him to see the path of truth. For how will a lover of money believe the Gospel, which introduces poverty? This is impossible.
1 Tim. 6:10. And they subjected themselves to many sorrows.
Already in this life they have nailed themselves. Indeed, how many griefs do they experience? How much do they weep? And it is well said: "pierced." For the cares of riches are like a thorn bush, as the Lord also said (Matt. 13:22). From whatever side one touches it, one draws blood upon one's hands, inflicting upon oneself wounds and pain.
1 Tim. 6:11. But you, O man of God.
Great is this dignity! True, all people are God's, but especially the righteous — not only because they are God's creatures, but also because of their closeness to God. If you are a man of God, then do not seek that which turns you away from God, but what?
1 Tim. 6:11. Flee from this, and pursue righteousness.
Do both with intense diligence. He did not say withdraw and approach, but: "flee these things and pursue righteousness," so as not to rob anyone, as those who wish to become rich do.
1 Tim. 6:11. Godliness.
He means the dogmas.
1 Tim. 6:11. Faith.
Which does not admit of investigation.
1 Tim. 6:11. Love.
That is, in a correct way of life, for its foundation is love.
1 Tim. 6:11. Patience, meekness.