1 This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder, 1 he desires an honorable position.” 2 So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. 2 He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker 3 or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? 6 An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. 4 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.