11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
11 In the same way, the women
11 Their wives likewise must
11 No exceptions are to be made for women - same qualifications: serious, dependable, not sharp-tongued, not overfond of wine.
11 Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,
3 Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness.
3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things--
3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good.
(Read Titus 2:1-8)
Old disciples of Christ must behave in every thing agreeably to the Christian doctrine. That the aged men be sober; not thinking that the decays of nature will justify any excess; but seeking comfort from nearer communion with God, not from any undue indulgence. Faith works by, and must be seen in love, of God for himself, and of men for God's sake. Aged persons are apt to be peevish and fretful; therefore need to be on their guard. Though there is not express Scripture for every word, or look, yet there are general rules, according to which all must be ordered. Young women must be sober and discreet; for many expose themselves to fatal temptations by what at first might be only want of discretion. The reason is added, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Failures in duties greatly reproach Christianity. Young men are apt to be eager and thoughtless, therefore must be earnestly called upon to be sober-minded: there are more young people ruined by pride than by any other sin. Every godly man's endeavour must be to stop the mouths of adversaries. Let thine own conscience answer for thine uprightness. What a glory is it for a Christian, when that mouth which would fain open itself against him, cannot find any evil in him to speak of!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:11
Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:8-13
(Read 1 Timothy 3:8-13)
The deacons were at first appointed to distribute the charity of the church, and to manage its concerns, yet pastors and evangelists were among them. The deacons had a great trust reposed in them. They must be grave, serious, prudent men. It is not fit that public trusts should be lodged in the hands of any, till they are found fit for the business with which they are to be trusted. All who are related to ministers, must take great care to walk as becomes the gospel of Christ.