1 Timothy 3

₁Here is a trustworthy saying: whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. ₂Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ₃not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. ₄He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. ₅(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) ₆He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. ₇He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

₈In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. ₉They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. ₁₀They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

₁₁In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

₁₂A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. ₁₃Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

₁₄Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing to you with these instructions so that, ₁₅if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. ₁₆Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: