1 Timothy 3:1-10 ▼

1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.

2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching,

3 not overindulging in wine, not a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money.

4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity

5 (but if a man does not know how to manage 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 condemnation incurred by the devil.

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

8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not insincere, not prone to drink much wine, not greedy for money,

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

10 These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.