1 THE saying is trustworthy: "If any one aspires to the office of a bishop, he desires a noble work."
2 A bishop, then, should be above reproach, true to one woman, temperate, self-controlled, dignified, hospitable, with a gift for teaching,
3 not given to wine or to blows, but fair-minded, averse to strife, not a lover of money,
4 presiding well over his own house, with children obedient and respectful.
5 But if any one does not know how to preside over his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?
6 He must not be a new convert, for fear he may be blinded by pride and fall into the condemnation of the Devil.
7 He must have a good reputation with outsiders so as not to fall into reproach and the snare of the Devil.