1 Timothy 3:1-10 ▼

1 This saying is trustworthy: |If someone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work.|

2 The overseer then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher,

3 not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money.

4 He must manage his own household well and keep his children in control without losing his dignity.

5 But if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God?

6 He must not be a recent convert or he may become arrogant and fall into the punishment that the devil will exact.

7 And he must be well thought of by those outside the faith, so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil's trap.

8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to excessive drinking, not greedy for gain,

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

10 And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless.