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."
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
6 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment,
6 A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before God.
6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.
(Read 1 Timothy 6:6-10)
Those that make a trade of Christianity to serve their turn for this world, will be disappointed; but those who mind it as their calling, will find it has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come. He that is godly, is sure to be happy in another world; and if contented with his condition in this world, he has enough; and all truly godly people are content. When brought into the greatest straits, we cannot be poorer than when we came into this world; a shroud, a coffin, and a grave, are all that the richest man in the world can have from all his wealth. If nature should be content with a little, grace should be content with less. The necessaries of life bound a true Christian's desires, and with these he will endeavour to be content. We see here the evil of covetousness. It is not said, they that are rich, but they will be rich; who place their happiness in wealth, and are eager and determined in the pursuit. Those that are such, give to Satan the opportunity of tempting them, leading them to use dishonest means, and other bad practices, to add to their gains. Also, leading into so many employments, and such a hurry of business, as leave no time or inclination for spiritual religion; leading to connexions that draw into sin and folly. What sins will not men be drawn into by the love of money! People may have money, and yet not love it; but if they love it, this will push them on to all evil. Every sort of wickedness and vice, in one way or another, grows from the love of money. We cannot look around without perceiving many proofs of this, especially in a day of outward prosperity, great expenses, and loose profession.
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.