1 Timothy 3:5

5 For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can 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 he must not be a drunkard or a violent man, but gentle and peaceful; he must not love money;

4 he must be able to manage his own family well and make his children obey him with all respect.

5 For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God?

6 He must be mature in the faith, so that he will not swell up with pride and be condemned, as the Devil was.

7 He should be a man who is respected by the people outside the church, so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the Devil's trap.