Note 2 at 1 Tim. 6:4: The English word "proud" was translated from the Greek word "TUPHOO" which means, "to envelop with smoke, i.e. (figuratively) to inflate with self-conceit" (Strong). Proud people are like smoke. They irritate others and seldom produce any benefits. People usually want to move out of their way. Those on fire with the Holy Spirit don't give off smoke-just heat.

Anyone who would teach contrary to what Paul instructed about slavery in verses one and two would do so because of pride. Pride can be defined as selfishness or self-centeredness. A selfless person would agree with Paul's teaching. Those who think slavery is such an injustice that it warrants rebellion and discontent are placing self-interest above the furtherance of the Gospel. In Christ there is neither bond nor FREE (Gal. 3:28). Our temporal situation isn't important. Our spiritual position in Christ is all that matters.

Note 3 at 1 Tim. 6:4: The word "doting" was translated from the Greek word "NOSEO" which means "to be sick, to be ailing, to have a morbid craving for something. The disease is intellectual curiosity about trifles" (Rienecker's). The dictionary defines it as "to be feeble minded, especially from old age (NAHD). This is describing someone who isn't well mentally. They aren't thinking straight.

In context, Paul is speaking about anyone who would oppose his teaching, that slaves should joyfully submit to their owners (see notes 1-4 at 1 Tim. 6:1-2, p. 1304). Most people would disagree with Paul's instructions today, so that says that our thinking today, about personal liberties and freedoms, is sick.

Note 4 at 1 Tim. 6:4: The NIV translates this verse as, ". . . he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions. . . ." This sounds like some of our Christian talk shows today. Controversies and quarrels about words draw big audiences today. They wouldn't if Christians would follow Paul's instructions here.

Paul said that everything we do should be done unto edifying (1 Cor. 14:26). He also told us to think on things that are true, honest, just, lovely and of good report (Phil. 4:8). Solomon said, "Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife."

People wonder why they are so stressed out today and discouraged. It's because they think on such discouraging things. Our society has become the embodiment of what Paul was speaking against. There is a morbid craving for the weird and perverse (see note 3 at this v.). We should forsake these things by turning off the sources of doom and gloom and turn to God's Word.

Note 5 at 1 Tim. 6:4: James 3:16 says, "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." Envy and strife are open doors to anything the devil wants to bring in our lives. This verse reveals that envy and strife come from pride, ignorance of God's Word and unhealthy cravings for controversies. No one will ever get free of envy and strife if he doesn't deal with these other issues.

Note 6 at 1 Tim. 6:4: The word "railings" means, "speech injurious to another's good name" (Wuest). An Old Testament term for this word is "slander." The scriptures expressly forbid this (see ref. n at this v.).

Note 7 at 1 Tim. 6:4: Another indication that our modern society is living in the condition that Paul is speaking against here, is his use of this phrase, "evil surmisings." The NIV translates this as "evil suspicions." There used to be a time when accusations didn't mold public opinion. It took hard fact. That day has passed. Society as a whole has become cynical. In our present day, all but the staunchest supports are swayed by the slightest innuendo.

This has probably happened because so many public figures, both secular and religious, have violated our trust. After awhile, cynicism sets in and we fall into "evil suspicions." There is an antidote for this condition. It's looking at things through God's Word. Scriptures like Psalm 37 tell us not to worry about the prosperity of the wicked and the apparent injustice. God will set everything aright. God will not be mocked.

If we have a morbid curiosity for controversy, that Paul speaks against here, evil surmisings or suspicions will inevitably result. Therefore, we must shun the sensationalists who thrive on controversy, and stick to the truths of God's Word.