1 Timothy 6:7 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. — (Comp. Job 1:21.) Every earthly possession is only meant for this life — for the period between the hour of birth and the hour of death; we entered this world with nothing, we shall leave the world again with nothing. If we could take anything with us when death parts soul and body there would at once be an end to the “contentment” (of 1 Timothy 6:6), for the future then would in some way be dependent on the present. This sentence is quoted by Polycarp, in his letter to the Philippians, written early in the second century. Such a reference shows that this Epistle was known and treasured in the Christian Church even at that early date.