1 Timothy 3:4-13

English Standard Version

⁴ He must manage his own household well, with all dignity ^(A)keeping his children submissive, ⁵ for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for ^(B)God's church? ⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he may ^(C)become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷ Moreover, he must be well thought of by ^(D)outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into ^(E)a snare of the devil.

Qualifications for Deacons

^8 (F)Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued,^{[a] (G)}not addicted to much wine, ^(H)not greedy for dishonest gain. ⁹ They must ^(I)hold the mystery of the faith with ^(J)a clear conscience. ¹⁰ And ^(K)let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. ^11 (L)Their wives likewise^[b] must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, ^(M)faithful in all things. ¹² Let deacons each be ^(N)the husband of one wife, ^(O)managing their children and their own households well. ¹³ For ^(P)those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.