1 Timothy 3:5

5 because if they don't know how to manage their own household, how can they 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 They shouldn't be addicted to alcohol or be a bully. Instead, they should be gentle, peaceable, and not greedy.

4 They should manage their own household well—they should see that their children are obedient with complete respect,

5 because if they don't know how to manage their own household, how can they take care of God's church?

6 They shouldn't be new believers so that they won't become proud and fall under the devil's spell.

7 They should also have a good reputation with those outside the church so that they won't be embarrassed and fall into the devil's trap.