Therefore, an elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, stable, sensible, respectable, hospitable to strangers, and teachable.

He must not drink excessively or be a violent person, but instead be gentle. He must not be argumentative or love money.

He must manage his own family well and have children who are submissive and respectful in every way.

He must not be a recent convert, so that he won't become arrogant and fall into the Devil's condemnation.

He must be well thought of by outsiders, so he doesn't fall into disgrace and the trap set for him by the Devil.

Ministers, too, must be serious. They must not be two-faced, addicted to wine, or greedy for money.

They must hold firmly to the secret of the faith with clear consciences.

But they must first be tested. Then, if they prove to be blameless, they may become ministers.

Their wives must also be serious. They must not be gossips, but instead be stable and trustworthy in everything.

Ministers must be husbands of one wife and must manage their children and their families well.

These are the things you must insist on and teach.

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to respect their own family by repaying their parents, for this is pleasing in God's sight.

She must be well known for her good actions as a woman who has raised children, welcomed strangers, washed the saints' feet, helped the suffering, and devoted herself to doing good in every way.

For the Scripture says, "You must not muzzle an ox while it is treading out grain," and, "A worker deserves his pay."

Moreover, those who have believing masters should be respectful to them, because they are fellow believers. In fact, they must serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dear to them. These are the things you must teach and exhort.

But you, man of God, must flee from all these things. Instead, you must pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.