| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | Christian Standard Bible |
| 1[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 1This saying is trustworthy: "If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work." |
| 2[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 2An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, |
| 3[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 3not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy. |
| 4[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 4He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. |
| 5[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God's church?) |
| 6[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 6He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil. |
| 7[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 7Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil's trap. |
| 8[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 8Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, |
| 9[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 9holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. |
| 10[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 10They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. |
| 11[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 11Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything. |
| 12[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 12Deacons are to be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. |
| 13[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 13For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. |
| 14[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 14I write these things to you, hoping to come to you soon. |
| 15[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 15But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. |
| 16[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 16And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. |
| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. |
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