8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.
8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully,
8 It's true that moral guidance and counsel need to be given, but the way you say it and to whom you say it are as important as what you say.
8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully,
8 We know that the law is good when used correctly.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:8
Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:5-11
(Read 1 Timothy 1:5-11)
Whatever tends to weaken love to God, or love to the brethren, tends to defeat the end of the commandment. The design of the gospel is answered, when sinners, through repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ, are brought to exercise Christian love. And as believers were righteous persons in God's appointed way, the law was not against them. But unless we are made righteous by faith in Christ, really repenting and forsaking sin, we are yet under the curse of the law, even according to the gospel of the blessed God, and are unfit to share the holy happiness of heaven.