1 Timothy 3:5

5 (but if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

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 no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money;

4 one that ruleth well his own house, having [his] children in subjection with all gravity;

5 (but if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

6 not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7 Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.