The apostle first described the actions of the false teachers ( 1 Timothy 6:3), then their attitudes ( 1 Timothy 6:4 a), third the fruits of their ministry ( 1 Timothy 6:4-5 a), and then their motivation ( 1 Timothy 6:5 b). [source][source][source]
"As Paul elaborates on those who teach "otherwise," it becomes clear again (cf. 1 Timothy 1:4-7) that the problem is not simply that of disseminating factual errors; it is rather a failure of the heart that involves willful rejection of God"s pattern." [1][source]
The false teachers in Ephesus advocated doctrine that was different from what Scripture and the apostles taught. They disagreed with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ that fostered spiritual health in those who heard and responded to them. Furthermore they rejected the doctrine that conforms to and results in godly behavior. These are three overlapping rather than distinctly different activities (cf. 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 1:10; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:6-10). [2][source]
"When it meets "the truth," the corrupted mind sees and seeks only objections; when it meets what differs from this truth, it sees and seeks reasons for accepting this difference." [3][source]
"It is little wonder, then, that missionaries of the cults are so resistant to the gospel and so easily angered in theological discussions. Corrupt minds and argumentative dispositions go hand in hand with opposition to the gospel." [4][source]
Paul regarded these men as guilty and blameworthy. Their error was not an innocent one. It sprang from improper attitudes: the desires to exalt self and to hoard money selfishly. Compare the religious hucksters of the Ephesian Artemis cult as Luke described them in Acts 19:23-41. Such motivation demonstrated that they really understood "nothing" (i.e, nothing that is truly important). This motivation also led them to an unhealthy interest in controversies and terminology. This interest produced all kinds of selfish and divisive behavior and attitudes that were not loving and edifying ( 1 Timothy 1:5). Contrast the elder qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:2-12. [source][source][source]
"Conceit leads to a love for controversy. Those who think well of their opinions like to argue them with others. Where a spirit of controversy seizes a family, office, or institution, all sense of community and unity disappears." [5][source]
"The indictment of the false teachers is thus multifaceted and comprehensive. It begins with their heterodoxy ( 1 Timothy 6:3), which is correlated with their conceit and lack of real understanding ( 1 Timothy 6:4 a) and their sick interest in mere controversy ( 1 Timothy 6:4 b), turns to the maliciousness of life that flows from these characteristics ( 1 Timothy 6:4 c), roots all this in spiritual blindness ( 1 Timothy 6:5 a), and ends with their materialistic motivation ( 1 Timothy 6:5 b). It is given to warn the church against such people. [5][source]