1 Timothy 3:5

5 For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God's church?

1 Timothy 3:5 Meaning and Commentary

1 Timothy 3:5

For if a man know not how to rule his own house
Which is an affair of less importance, and more easy to be done; not requiring so much resolution, prudence, care, and thought:

how shall he take care of the church of God?
preside over it, rule in it, provide for it, and see that everything is in its proper place, and done according to the will of God. The argument is from the lesser to the greater.

1 Timothy 3:5 In-Context

3 not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry.

4 He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect.

5 For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God's church?

6 He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up.

7 Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap.