8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
8 For bodily exercise profiteth little:
8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
8 Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.
8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
8 "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 4:8
Commentary on 1 Timothy 4:6-10
(Read 1 Timothy 4:6-10)
Outward acts of self-denial profit little. What will it avail us to mortify the body, if we do not mortify sin? No diligence in mere outward things could be of much use. The gain of godliness lies much in the promise; and the promises to godly people relate partly to the life that now is, but especially to the life which is to come: though we lose for Christ, we shall not lose by him. If Christ be thus the Saviour of all men, then much more will he be the Rewarder of those who seek and serve him; he will provide well for those whom he has made new creatures.