Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 6:9

"But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition." — 1 Timothy 6:9 (ASV)

Those who are determined to become rich fall into temptation and “a trap” (GK 4075) and into many desires that are senseless and harm people. Wrong desires plunge people into “ruin [GK 3897] and destruction [GK 724].” Both words mean “destruction,” but the second is stronger, implying eternal condemnation. The combination of these two words here suggests that Paul is speaking of destruction for time and eternity.