1 Timothy 3:1-13 ▼

1 Trustworthy is the word: If anyone aspires to overseership, he is desirous of a good work.

2 Therefore it is necessary for the overseer to be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober, sound-minded, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

3 not given to wine, not a striker but gentle, not quarrelsome, not loving money,

4 presiding over his own house well, having children in submission, with all dignity—

5 but if anyone does not know how to preside over his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?—

6 not a novice, lest, having been puffed up, he might fall into the judgment of the devil.

7 And it is necessary for him also to have a good testimony from those outside, so that he might not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not being given to much wine, not greedy for shameful gain,

9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.

10 And these also, let them be tested first; then let them serve, being blameless.

11 Women likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

12 Let deacons be husbands of one wife, presiding over their children and their own households well.

13 For those having served well acquire a good standing for themselves and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.