English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—
5
I left you in charge in Crete so you could complete what I left half-done. Appoint leaders in every town according to my instructions.
6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.
6
As you select them, ask, "Is this man well-thought-of? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble?"
7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,
7
It's important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God's house, be looked up to - not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry.
8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
8
He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself,
9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
9
and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it.