Paul just told Timothy about the attitude slaves should have toward their masters, and he said that he was to teach and preach these principles (verse 2).
This phrase is often put as the beginning of the next verse, so it applies here, too. Actually, it applies to this whole letter.
(3) If anyone advocates a different doctrine
A different doctrine would be anything different from what Paul is writing here, and the rest of Scripture.
and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,
These sound words are those spoken by Jesus in the Gospels, and also the whole Old Testament, which the rest of the New Testament is at that time being written to explain how the faith is applied and lived out.
(4) he is conceited and understands nothing;
If anyone doesn't want to hear sound words, then he is conceited, proud, thinks his own ideas are better than God's; that shows that he has no understanding at all of God's ways. This word is in the perfect passive, which shows "a fixed state or condition."
but he has a morbid interest
This is an unhealthy state of mind, the word noson, "being sick" (mentally), is "having a morbid craving for." He's describing one sick puppy!
in controversial questions and disputes about words,
In controversies and arguments. The controversial questions are investigations of religious and theological problems. This in itself is actually good, but the indication here is that they are being used only to argue and fight about words. The heretic described here is merely a theorist, his interest is only in academic disputes; he doesn't take into account the reality of what God's word is about.
out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,
Because of their pride their studies only result in negative consequences. Five are listed here:
Envy and Strife are used together also in Romans 1: 29 and Galatians 5: 21. Envy always produces quarreling and strife.
"Abusive language" is blasphemiai (plural). When directed against God it means "blasphemy," but when directed against men, as it is here, it means "slander."
"Evil suspicions" would be "false, slanderous conjectures."
(5) and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth,
The fifth is constant friction, "mutual irritations" or "incessant wranglings," which characterize the conversations between these men who have thoroughly corrupted and depraved minds, who have been robbed of the Truth. If the Truth was once theirs, they have deliberately disinherited themselves of it, or they may have never had it.
who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
These men think that godliness is only a means to procuring financial gain.
(6) But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied with contentment.
Godliness with contentment really is a means of wonderful gain in mental and spiritual and psychological wealth, but not necessarily financial.
(7) For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.
(8) If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.
Since we are all born with nothing, and everything we have in this world will stay in this world when we leave, then we can be content as long as we have enough food to eat, and covering, which usually refers to clothing, but can also include shelter. So our basic needs are simple. We are rich when we have all we need, and don't need to wear ourselves out with trying to get ahead in the world.
O my Father, please show us how to live our lives simply here in this world, while enjoying the bounty You have provided us here. Give us contentment with our basic needs and not think that we need more to have Your joy.
My Father, when you grant us more material goods than what we need, show us how to help others who have needs, and not squander them on ourselves. Teach us Your generosity and compassion.
O Father, send out all of Your children to tell everyone alive how much You love us all! Please help them to understand how You have already met all of our needs, particularly the spiritual, eternal ones.
And every eye shall see, every knee will bow, every tongue will proclaim that Jesus is our Christ, the Lord God Almighty, sovereign King over all Creation; to the everlasting glory of Almighty God the Father, for ever and ever. Amen.
Even so, come soon, Lord Jesus!
