7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.
7 They set themselves up as experts on religious issues, but haven't the remotest idea of what they're holding forth with such imposing eloquence.
7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.
7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don't know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.
8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.
8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
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.
(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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:7
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.