Not given to wine
One that does not sit at it, or is continually drinking it, and
is intemperate in the use of it; otherwise it is lawful for
persons in such an office to drink wine, and sometimes absolutely
necessary; see ( 1 Timothy
5:23 ) it signifies one that is not given to much wine, as in
( 1 Timothy
3:8 ) is not addicted to it, or a follower of it; the Syriac
version renders it, "who does not transgress over wine", or go
beyond due bounds in the use of it, who is not immoderate in it;
the Arabic version renders it, "not insolent through wine", as
one that is heated with it is fierce and furious, and wrangling
and quarrelsome, and often very mischievous and injurious; and
this sense is followed by some.
No striker;
either with his hands, so the Syriac version, "whose hand is not
swift to strike"; not one who is nimble and ready at it, who no
sooner is abused or injured, but he lifts up his hands and
strikes; is but a word and a blow: or with his tongue; so the
Arabic version, "not wounding with his tongue"; being too sharp
and severe in the admonitions and reproofs of weak brethren, or
fallen believers; and especially, he ought not to use scurrilous,
reproachful, and contumelious language to any; see ( Jeremiah
18:18 ) .
Not greedy of filthy lucre;
not covetous of getting money, of amassing wealth and riches
together; or desirous of popular applause and glory from men.
This clause is not in the Alexandrian copy, nor in five of Beza's
manuscripts and other copies, nor is it in the Vulgate Latin
version, nor in any of the Oriental versions; it seems to be
transcribed from ( Titus 1:7 ) . And indeed
it is unnecessary here; since the same is expressed by the word
"covetous", at the end of the verse, and makes that a tautology;
and moreover, by leaving out this clause, the opposition appears
more manifest, between "no striker" and what follows,
but patient;
one who patiently bears all reproaches and injuries, puts up with
affronts, and gives up what is his right and due, rather than
contend, quarrel, and strike; who is patient towards all men, and
does not bear hard on those that have offended, but is moderate
and mild, and gentle in his censures, reproofs, and admonitions:
not a brawler;
not a quarrelsome litigious person, given to fighting, either
with the fist or sword, or any other weapon:
not covetous;
or a lover of money in an immoderate way, greedy of worldly
substance and riches, and insatiable in his desires after them;
niggardly, sordid, and illiberal; acting a mercenary part;
seeking his own things, and not the things of Christ; his gain
from his quarter, and not the good of souls; and withholding from
himself, from his family, and the poor, what ought to be enjoyed
by them. Whereas, on the other hand, he ought to be generous and
liberal, hospitable and charitable, and ready to communicate on
all occasions, according to his abilities.
