JK, QSY, Prabhudas are false teachers

1 Timothy 6:3-5

3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

The false teachers in 1 Timothy 6:3-5 reject what Paul calls the “sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ” and teaching aligned with godliness. Understanding these terms requires examining both their positive and negative dimensions.

Sound Instruction

The term “sound” derives from medical imagery referring to health and well-being, denoting teaching that is healthy and therefore correct, as opposed to what is false or sick.[1] This represents “the approved, apostolic doctrine”[1]—the gospel message itself. The false teachers have missed the true gospel that originates with Jesus.[2] Rather than anchoring themselves in Christ’s authoritative teaching, they become preoccupied with “controversies and quarrels about words,” (1 Tim 6:3–5) pursuing intellectual disputes that lack spiritual substance.

Teaching That Promotes Godliness

Godliness (εὐσέβεια) represents a disposition of reverence for God that is grounded theologically and expressed ethically.[3] Sound doctrine and righteous living are inseparable—any departure from sound doctrine necessarily results in lack of righteous living and vice versa.[3] This connection proves crucial: moral conduct is the proof of correct belief.[4]

The False Teachers’ Deviation

The passage exposes how false teachers corrupt both dimensions. Their “unhealthy interest” in word-games produces “envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind.” (1 Tim 6:3–5) Most tellingly, they have “been robbed of the truth and think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” (1 Tim 6:3–5) They weaponize religious teaching for personal profit rather than allowing it to cultivate genuine reverence toward God and ethical transformation.

True godliness must express itself in contentment and gratitude for God’s provision,[3] standing in sharp contrast to their mercenary distortion. The passage thus defines sound instruction and godly teaching not merely as correct doctrine, but as apostolic truth that produces spiritual health and moral integrity in those who embrace it.

[1] Paul Trebilco, Simon H. Rae, and Deolito Vistar, 1 Timothy, ed. Andrew B. Spurgeon, Steve Chang, and Brian Wintle, Asia Bible Commentary Series (Carlisle, Cumbria; Manila, Philippines: Langham Global Library; Asia Theological Association, 2023), 18–19.
[2] Douglas Mangum and E. Tod Twist, 1 Timothy, ed. Douglas Mangum and Derek R. Brown, Logos Research Commentaries (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2026). [See here.]
[3] Andreas J. Köstenberger, 1-2 Timothy & Titus, ed. T. Desmond Alexander, Thomas R. Schreiner, and Andreas J. Köstenberger, Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2021), 185.
[4] Mark Allan Powell, Introducing the New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological Survey (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009), 408.