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¹ This saying is trustworthy:[fn][xr] The one who would an elder be, A noble task desires he. ² Therefore, an elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife,[fn] stable, sensible, respectable, a lover of strangers, and teachable.[fn][xr] ³ He must not drink excessively or be a violent person, but instead be gentle. He must not be argumentative or a lover of money.[xr] ⁴ He must manage his own family well and have children who are submissive and respectful in every way.[xr] ⁵ For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church? ⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he might become arrogant and fall into the condemnation of the devil.[xr] ⁷ He must be well thought of by outsiders, lest he fall into disgrace and the trap set for him by[fn] the devil.[xr]

⁸ Deacons, too, must be serious. They must not be two-faced,[fn] addicted to wine, or greedy for money.[xr] ⁹ They must hold firmly to the secret of the faith with clear consciences.[xr] ¹⁰ But they must first be tested. Then, if they prove to be blameless, they may become deacons. ¹¹ Their wives[fn] must also be serious. They must not be gossips, but instead be stable and trustworthy in everything.[xr] ¹² Deacons must be husbands of one wife[fn] and must manage their children and their families well. ¹³ Those deacons who serve well gain an excellent reputation for themselves and will have great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.[xr]

¹⁴ I hope to come to you soon. However, I'm writing this to you ¹⁵ in case I am delayed so that you may know how one is to behave in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.[xr] ¹⁶ By common confession, the secret of our godly worship is great:[fn][xr] In flesh was he[fn] revealed to sight, Kept righteous by the Spirit's might, Adored by angels singing.[fn] To nations was he manifest, Believing souls found peace and rest,[fn] Our Lord in heaven reigning![fn]