4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full
4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,
4 He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect.
4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence
4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well.
12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.
12 Servants in the church are to be committed to their spouses, attentive to their own children, and diligent in looking after their own affairs.
12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.
(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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:4
Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:1-7
(Read 1 Timothy 3:1-7)
If a man desired the pastoral office, and from love to Christ, and the souls of men, was ready to deny himself, and undergo hardships by devoting himself to that service, he sought to be employed in a good work, and his desire should be approved, provided he was qualified for the office. A minister must give as little occasion for blame as can be, lest he bring reproach upon his office. He must be sober, temperate, moderate in all his actions, and in the use of all creature-comforts. Sobriety and watchfulness are put together in Scripture, they assist one the other. The families of ministers ought to be examples of good to all other families. We should take heed of pride; it is a sin that turned angels into devils. He must be of good repute among his neighbours, and under no reproach from his former life. To encourage all faithful ministers, we have Christ's gracious word of promise, Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world, Matthew 28:20. And he will fit his ministers for their work, and carry them through difficulties with comfort, and reward their faithfulness.