1 Timothy 6:11
“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Context
Having warned about the love of money, Paul issues a personal charge to Timothy to live as a man of God by fleeing greed and pursuing godly character.
What Does 1 Timothy 6:11 Mean?
Paul turns from warning to direct charge: as a man of God, Timothy is to run away from the love of money and run hard after six godly virtues instead.
The opening "But thou" sets Timothy apart from those just described who chased riches into ruin. The title "man of God" recalls the great prophets and gives weight to the command. Paul gives two opposite motions. First, "flee these things" -- not negotiate with greed but actively escape it, the way one runs from danger. Second, "follow after" six qualities, a verb meaning to pursue or chase as eagerly as a runner after a prize. The list forms a portrait of mature character: righteousness (right living), godliness (devotion to God), faith (steady trust), love (self-giving care), patience (steadfast endurance under pressure), and meekness (strength held under gentle control). These are not passive traits but the active aim of a whole life. The Christian life, then, has both a flight and a chase -- turning decisively from what destroys and pressing toward what builds. You cannot merely avoid evil; you must replace it with vigorous pursuit of the good.
In the Original Language
"Flee" is pheugō, to run away or escape, and "follow after" is diōkō, to pursue or chase eagerly as a runner toward a goal.
Cross References
“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace.”
- 2 Timothy 2:22
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.”
- Galatians 5:22
“and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
- Micah 6:8
Application
Do not merely avoid what harms your soul -- actively chase after righteousness, faith, love, and the other virtues that shape a godly life.