1 Timothy 3:1-10 ▼

1 It is a trustworthy saying: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work.

2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but considerate, peaceable, free from the love of money;

4 leading his own household well, having his children in submission with all dignity

5 (but if a man does not know how to lead his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),

6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not fond of dishonest gain,

9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

10 And these men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.