UASV’s Daily Devotional All Things Bible, Wednesday, April 09, 2025

Please Support the Bible Translation Work of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

$5.00

What Do 1 Timothy 6:18–19 Teach About True Riches and the Eternal Investment of Generosity?

The Call to Use Earthly Wealth in Service of Eternal Priorities

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, the apostle provides essential guidance for how believers—particularly those who are materially wealthy—should view and use their possessions. 1 Timothy 6:18–19 is a direct instruction to the rich, showing how generosity and good works serve not only immediate needs but also prepare the soul for eternity. Paul does not condemn wealth in itself, but he does give a divine framework for understanding its purpose. These verses correct the world’s distorted views of prosperity and focus the Christian’s attention on what truly lasts.

The verses read:

“They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

In the original Greek, the text is:

ἀγαθοεργεῖν, πλουτεῖν ἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς, εὐμεταδότους εἶναι, κοινωνικοὺς, ἀποθησαυρίζοντας ἑαυτοῖς θεμέλιον καλὸν εἰς τὸ μέλλον, ἵνα ἐπιλάβωνται τῆς ὄντως ζωῆς.
agathoergeîn, plouteîn en érgois kaloîs, eumetadótous eînai, koinōnikoús, apothēsaurízontas heautoîs themélion kalòn eis tò méllon, hina epilábōntai tēs óntōs zōēs.

The first imperative phrase—ἀγαθοεργεῖν (agathoergein)—means “to do good.” It is a compound verb formed from ἀγαθός (agathos, good) and ἔργον (ergon, work), signifying not passive goodness but intentional activity—acts that benefit others. The use of the present infinitive suggests this is to be an ongoing pattern, not an occasional act. Wealth, according to Paul, is not to be hoarded or idolized but employed in doing good.

Next, he says the wealthy are to πλουτεῖν ἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς (ploutein en ergois kalois)—“to be rich in good works.” The verb πλουτέω (plouteō) means “to be rich,” but here Paul redirects the idea of wealth. Rather than measuring prosperity by money, he urges believers to abound in ἔργοις καλοῖς (ergois kalois), “beautiful” or “noble works.” This is a consistent biblical principle. True wealth, in God’s economy, is measured by the extent to which one’s life reflects love, justice, and faithful obedience.

Paul continues with two practical commands: εὐμεταδότους εἶναι (eumetadotous einai) and κοινωνικοὺς (koinōnikous). The first term, εὐμεταδότους (eumetadotous), means “generous” or “ready to distribute.” It comes from μεταδίδωμι (metadidōmi, to share), with the prefix εὐ- indicating a willing, benevolent spirit. This is not reluctant giving or mere obligation. It is cheerful readiness to meet others’ needs (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7). The second term, κοινωνικούς (koinōnikous), translated “ready to share,” emphasizes fellowship and participation—it carries the idea of communion and community-centered generosity. The believer’s wealth is not for private indulgence but for shared blessing.

Paul then explains the result of this attitude and action: ἀποθησαυρίζοντας ἑαυτοῖς θεμέλιον καλὸν εἰς τὸ μέλλον (apothēsaurízontas heautois themélion kalòn eis to mellon)—“storing up for themselves a good foundation for the future.” The verb ἀποθησαυρίζω (apothēsaurizō) is a compound of ἀπό (apo, “from”) and θησαυρός (thēsauros, “treasure”), meaning “to lay up treasure.” It parallels Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19–20: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” The future orientation—εἰς τὸ μέλλον (eis to mellon, “for the future”)—confirms that Paul has eternal rewards in view.

The phrase θεμέλιον καλόν (themélion kalón)—“a good foundation”—describes the secure spiritual ground that results from righteous living. The term θεμέλιος (themélios) refers to a foundation stone upon which a structure is built (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:10–11). Here, it symbolizes stability and preparation for eternity. Those who use their wealth for the benefit of others, according to God’s will, are not wasting resources but securing a firm basis for their hope beyond this life.

Finally, Paul gives the purpose clause: ἵνα ἐπιλάβωνται τῆς ὄντως ζωῆς (hina epilabōntai tēs ontōs zōēs)—“so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” The verb ἐπιλαμβάνομαι (epilambanomai) means “to grasp” or “seize firmly.” The object, τῆς ὄντως ζωῆς (tēs ontōs zōēs), means “the life that is truly life.” The word ὄντως (ontōs) is an adverb of reality—from ὤν (ōn), “being”—and it signifies what is genuinely real, as opposed to what merely appears to be. Paul contrasts temporal materialism with eternal substance. Earthly riches are fleeting; eternal life is the real possession to be grasped.

This entire instruction comes within the broader context of Paul’s warning against the love of money earlier in the same chapter (1 Timothy 6:9–10), where he explains that “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation…” and that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” He does not say that having money is evil, but that the desire for it leads to ruin. Wealth becomes dangerous when it becomes the focus of life. That’s why Paul instructs Timothy in verse 17 to charge the rich not to be haughty or to set their hope on uncertain riches but on God.

These verses (vv. 18–19) are Paul’s practical solution to the spiritual dangers of wealth. Use it for eternal purposes. Be rich in good works. Give freely. Share eagerly. In doing so, the believer escapes the trap of selfish materialism and walks in the path of life. This is consistent with Hebrews 13:16: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Likewise, Acts 20:35 reminds, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

This is not salvation by works, nor is it an argument for asceticism or monastic poverty. It is a call to stewardship. The believer recognizes that all he has belongs to Jehovah. As Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is Jehovah’s and the fullness thereof.” Everything we have is entrusted to us for the purpose of glorifying God and serving others. When that purpose is fulfilled, wealth becomes a tool for righteousness—not a stumbling block.

Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 6:18–19 also correct the false teaching of the prosperity gospel, which claims that material wealth is itself the mark of God’s favor and blessing. The true blessing, Paul shows, is not found in having riches, but in using them faithfully for the good of others and the advancement of the kingdom. It is not about receiving more from God in this life, but about laying up treasure that endures into eternity.

In the end, “that which is truly life” is not luxury, power, or comfort—it is the eternal life found in Christ, marked by holiness, obedience, and generosity. The believer who understands this will not cling to wealth, but will hold it loosely and use it wisely. The foundation laid in this life through righteous use of resources will support the reward of life in the age to come.

You May Also Enjoy

What Does Romans 8:16 Teach About the Role of the Spirit in Assuring Christians of Their Identity in Christ?

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).