“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:7-8).
1 Timothy 6:7-8 continues a brief discussion regarding genuine contentment with an undeniable statement: “We didn’t bring anything into this world, and we won’t take anything with us when we leave” (CEV). This passage echoes a similar observation from the Biblical personality Job in the Old Testament book that bears his name…
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21).
These self-evident observations further serve to undermine the belief that the accumulation of earthly wealth brings lasting satisfaction and contentment. Thus, the phrase “You can’t take it with you when you go“ has been memorialized throughout popular culture. Although we may take great pride in our material possessions, the knowledge that we will eventually leave such things behind is always present to disrupt our contentment with them.
While many prefer to dismiss, avoid, or ignore this uncomfortable truth, commentators have remarked upon this reality for centuries…
“Remember that you can carry nothing out of this world except your character.” (1)
“…a shroud, a coffin, and a grave, are all that the richest man in the world can have from all his wealth.” (2)
“If we believe heaven to be our country, it is better for us to transmit our wealth thither, than to retain it here, where we may lose it by a sudden removal.” (3)
Yet even the most gifted commentator cannot improve upon the inspired Word of God in this regard…
“I began to hate all the hard work I had done, because I saw that the people who live after me would get the things that I worked for. I will not be able to take them with me. Some other person will control everything I worked and studied for. And I don’t know if that person will be wise or foolish. This is also senseless” (Ecclesiastes 2:18-19 ERV).
While it is wise and prudent to plan for the future, we should recognize that all our endeavors are subject to the sovereign will of God. It is extremely presumptuous to accumulate wealth and possessions without regard for the One who is the ultimate provider of such things for “…we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”
(1) Meyer, Frederick Brotherton. “Commentary on 1 Timothy 6“. “F. B. Meyer’s ‘Through the Bible’ Commentary”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/fbm/1-timothy-6.html. 1914.
(2) Henry, Matthew. “Concise Commentary on 1 Timothy 6“. “Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mhc-con/1-timothy-6.html. 1706.
(3) Calvin, John Institutes Of The Christian Religion Vol 2 [pg 313] http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/64392