1 Timothy 3:1-13 ▼

1 Stedfast is the word: If any one the oversight doth long for, a right work he desireth;

2 it behoveth, therefore, the overseer to be blameless, of one wife a husband, vigilant, sober, decent, a friend of strangers, apt to teach,

3 not given to wine, not a striker, not given to filthy lucre, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money,

4 his own house leading well, having children in subjection with all gravity,

5 (and if any one his own house how to lead hath not known, how an assembly of God shall he take care of?)

6 not a new convert, lest having been puffed up he may fall to a judgment of the devil;

7 and it behoveth him also to have a good testimony from those without, that he may not fall into reproach and a snare of the devil.

8 Ministrants -- in like manner grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not given to filthy lucre,

9 having the secret of the faith in a pure conscience,

10 and let these also first be proved, then let them minister, being unblameable.

11 Women -- in like manner grave, not false accusers, vigilant, faithful in all things.

12 Ministrants -- let them be of one wife husbands; the children leading well, and their own houses,

13 for those who did minister well a good step to themselves do acquire, and much boldness in faith that is in Christ Jesus.